In 2022, the then-senior University of Tennessee quarterback revealed in an interview that his pregame prayers focus on family, health, and gratitude.<\/p>\n
A viral video on social media showed Hooker on one knee bowed in prayer moments before kickoff. A reporter asked him about the prayer. Hooker said the prayer focuses on his family\u2019s travels and the safety of his brother, Alston, a freshman quarterback for North Carolina A&T.<\/p>\n
Hooker said, \u201cIt\u2019s the same prayer every time. I\u2019m a routine type of guy. Just praying over my family, thanking God for a safe travel. I pray for my brother as he had his game. [I\u2019m] praying for his game and their safety. Then just praying that God touches my mind, my hands, my feet, to just go out there and do what He\u2019s blessed me to do, to put on a show.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hooker, a transfer from Virginia Tech who is in his second season as a Volunteer starter, has been outspoken about his Christian faith. Last year he and Alston released a book, \u201cThe ABCs of Scripture for Athletes<\/a>,\u201d that included their favorite memory verses. It was designed for children and published as a comic book.<\/p>\n In September, he told media members that he\u00a0listens\u00a0to gospel music before each game from such artists as Kiki Sheard, Kirk Franklin, and Fred Hammond. He and teammate Joe Milton, the backup quarterback, also read a devotional together.<\/p>\n After running through the T, Hendon Hooker (@henhook2<\/a>) says a prayer. The quarterback explains what that prayer is. #Vols<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/QtR4lL323a<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Reece Van Haaften (@Reece_VH) October 31, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n