T.J. Hockenson at a Glance
- Net Worth: $20 Million
- Profession: NFL Tight End
- Date of Birth: July 3, 1997
- Place of Birth: Des Moines, Iowa
- Nationality: American
- Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
What is T.J. Hockenson’s Net Worth?
T.J. Hockenson has a net worth of $20 million. This fortune stems primarily from his lucrative contracts in the National Football League, most notably his record-setting extension with the Minnesota Vikings. As one of the league’s premier tight ends, his financial standing is bolstered by guaranteed salary components, performance bonuses, and a growing portfolio of brand endorsements.
His wealth significantly increased following his 2023 contract extension, which established him as one of the highest-paid players at his position in NFL history. Beyond his on-field earnings, Hockenson generates additional revenue through partnerships with major athletic and lifestyle brands, further solidifying his financial profile.
Contract Deal
In August 2023, the Minnesota Vikings signed Hockenson to a historic four-year contract extension worth $66 million. This deal reset the market for tight ends at the time, carrying an average annual value of $16.5 million. The agreement included $42.5 million in total guarantees, with $29.29 million fully guaranteed at signing, providing him with substantial financial security regardless of injury or roster changes.
For the 2025 season, his contract commands a base salary of $10.9 million. When accounting for bonuses and other payouts, his total cash intake for the year is approximately $11.5 million, while his salary cap charge sits at roughly $16.65 million. This structure reflects his status as a cornerstone of the Vikings’ offense.
Early Life
Thomas James Hockenson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and spent his formative years in Cherokee before moving to Chariton, Iowa. He attended Chariton High School, where he became a standout multi-sport athlete. While he also played basketball, his dominance on the football field drew significant attention. He set state records for receiving yards in a game, season, and career, establishing himself as a premier recruit in the region.
He committed to the University of Iowa, a program renowned for developing NFL-caliber tight ends. After redshirting his freshman year, he emerged as a dominant force in the Big Ten. His 2018 season was particularly decorated; he won the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end and was named a First-Team All-American. His declared entry into the 2019 NFL Draft followed a collegiate career that solidified his reputation as a complete player, capable of both elite blocking and receiving.
Career
T.J. Hockenson began his professional journey when the Detroit Lions selected him with the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. His entry into the league was marked by immediate production. In his debut game against the Arizona Cardinals, he set an NFL record for receiving yards by a tight end in a debut, recording 131 yards and a touchdown. This performance signaled his potential as an elite playmaker.
During his tenure in Detroit, he developed into a reliable target for quarterback Matthew Stafford and later Jared Goff. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020 after a breakout season where he recorded 67 receptions for 723 yards and six touchdowns. Despite the Lions’ struggles as a team, Hockenson remained a bright spot, consistently ranking among the top tight ends in receiving metrics. His rookie contract, worth $19.8 million fully guaranteed, provided the initial foundation for his wealth.
The trajectory of his career shifted dramatically in November 2022 when the Lions traded him to the Minnesota Vikings. The move proved mutually beneficial, as he immediately became a focal point in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s passing attack. In Minnesota, his chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins was instant. He finished the 2022 season with career highs in receptions and receiving yards, earning his second Pro Bowl selection. This production was the catalyst for the massive contract extension he signed the following year.
Injuries have presented challenges, including a serious knee injury late in the 2023 season that impacted his availability. However, his contract structure ensures that he remains financially protected during rehabilitation periods. His ability to consistently produce when healthy has made him an integral part of the Vikings’ long-term strategic planning.
Salary & Career Earnings Chart
| Year / Team | Cash Earnings |
| 2019 (Detroit Lions) | $12,930,436 |
| 2020 (Detroit Lions) | $1,485,965 |
| 2021 (Detroit Lions) | $2,471,930 |
| 2022 (Lions / Vikings) | $4,501,111 |
| 2023 (Minnesota Vikings) | $19,392,000 |
| 2024 (Minnesota Vikings) | $10,294,118 |
| 2025 (Minnesota Vikings) | $11,500,000 |
| Total | $62,575,560 |
Personal Life
T.J. Hockenson is married to Mikala Brown, a professional photographer and entrepreneur. The couple got engaged in January 2023 at Brown’s family farm in Tennessee and officially tied the knot in July 2024. Brown operates her own photography business and frequently shares glimpses of their life together on social media. Hockenson maintains a close relationship with his parents, Tod and Teri Hockenson, who are known for their dedication to his career, famously traveling to his games across the country in an RV to offer their support.
