Peyton Manning shares NFL wisdom with fellow Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker in powerful video
Making the transition from college football to the NFL can be incredibly difficult. So, to give some of the incoming rookies a boost of confidence, Fanatics put together a really unique video as summer workouts approach.
Several current and former NFL players recorded video messages to some of the up-and-coming stars. Among the group of legends was Peyton Manning, who had a special message for fellow Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker.
“I just encourage you to keep working hard,” Manning told Hooker in the surprise message. “Be the best quarterback and teammate you can be.”
The Detroit Lions selected Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft after an outstanding season with the Volunteers. He was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns with just two interceptions. The quarterback also rushed for 430 yards and five additional scores.
Hooker sustained an ACL injury in Tennessee’s loss to South Carolina in late November. That likely hurt the quarterback’s draft status moving into the offseason.
But Manning had some words of encouragement for the quarterback, who gets the opportunity to prove he belongs at the next level. He certainly seemed appreciative of Manning’s time and message in the video.
NFL legend Tom Brady shares message for Will Levis, Anthony Richardson
Manning wasn’t the only former NFL quarterback with a message for a rookie. Fanatics also brought Tom Brady aboard to share words of encouragement to former Kentucky star Will Levis.
Levis had a longer-than-expected wait time during this past NFL Draft. If there’s anyone can relate, it’s Brady. So what did the seven-time Super Bowl champion have to say to Levis?
“Waiting around on draft day, it sucks,” Brady told Levis. “I know the feeling. It’s not easy. But I promise you one thing. It’s going to make everything that happens from this point on, that much sweeter.”
Brady’s messages didn’t end with Levis. He also had something to say to former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson.
“A lot of people tell me you’re a better person than quarterback,” Brady told the former Florida star. “That says a lot because I’ve seen some of the throws you make.”
Levis was selected by the Tennessee Titans while the Indianapolis Colts took Richardson.
The video from Fanatics was encouraging and very touching. The acts of the current and former NFL stars already have made a big impact on the rookies.