Jets QB Hendon Hooker Promotes Youth Literacy in North Carolina

The 28-year-old quarterback uses his platform to encourage reading and community engagement.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 10:39pm

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New York Jets quarterback Hendon Hooker, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, has made it a priority to promote youth literacy and community engagement in his home state. Hooker, who previously played at the University of Tennessee, has created a children's book with his brother and hosts football camps to inspire young people to read and get involved in sports.

Why it matters

Hooker's efforts to encourage reading and community involvement among youth in North Carolina reflect a broader trend of professional athletes using their platforms to make a positive impact off the field. His work highlights the importance of literacy and mentorship programs, especially in underserved communities.

The details

Hooker, who was the 2022 SEC Offensive Player of the Year, began his NFL career with the Detroit Lions and has also played for the Carolina Panthers. During a recent interview, he discussed his commitment to supporting youth literacy programs in North Carolina, inspired by his father's encouragement to read as a child. Hooker and his brother Alston created a children's book called "The ABC's of Scripture for Athletes" to make reading more appealing to kids. Hooker also hosts football camps in Tennessee to provide young people with access to sports and mentorship.

  • Hooker was named the 2022 SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
  • Hooker began his NFL career with the Detroit Lions.

The players

Hendon Hooker

A 28-year-old quarterback for the New York Jets who is from Greensboro, North Carolina and previously played at the University of Tennessee.

Alston Hooker

Hendon Hooker's brother, with whom he co-authored a children's book to promote youth literacy.

Joe Milton

A former quarterback at the University of Tennessee who co-hosts football camps with Hendon Hooker.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up, my father used to always tell me and my siblings, 'Hey you guys, go read a book.' I used to always dread it, always.”

— Hendon Hooker, New York Jets Quarterback (WSBU-FM)

“I really just try to get out into the community and create the culture … that reading is cool.”

— Hendon Hooker, New York Jets Quarterback (WSBU-FM)

What’s next

Hooker plans to continue hosting football camps in Tennessee to provide mentorship and access to sports for underprivileged youth.

The takeaway

Hendon Hooker's efforts to promote youth literacy and community engagement in his home state of North Carolina demonstrate how professional athletes can leverage their platforms to make a positive impact, especially by inspiring young people to read and get involved in sports.