NASHVILLE – The Titans on Friday agreed to terms on a multi-year contract extension with safety Amani Hooker.
After practice on Friday, Hooker said he's thankful for several reasons.
"It means a lot," Hooker said. "It shows how much the Titans believe in me and trust me, and I have that same trust and confidence in them. I am just going to do my job to make sure I can help this team win and help them win a Super Bowl."
Hooker said he called his parents when the deal became official.
Growing up, Hooker recalled cutting grass, walking dogs, and working a construction job to make money. Hooker said he knew after two days the construction job wasn't for him.
The NFL has worked out well for Hooker and his family.
"My parents, they were with me when I was in little league and they knew my dream when I was in kindergarten," Hooker said. "For them to see where I am at today, I know they are very proud of me, and I wouldn't be here without them.
"Growing up, the dream was for me to get to the NFL, and it was also my dream to stay in the NFL and be able to provide for my family. Being able to do that is a blessing from God."
Hooker, heading into his fourth season, has played in 44 games, with 15 starts, for the Titans since being picked in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Over the years, Hooker has developed into a key player on the team's defense.
In 2021, Hooker started 12 games and finished the year with 62 tackles, and an interception. Hooker also added an interception on the team's playoff contest against the Bengals.
Hooker had a team-high four interceptions in 2020.
In three seasons, Hooker has recorded 119 tackles, five interceptions, 12 passes defensed and a forced fumble.
With five career interceptions, Hooker is tied with Juan Thornhill for the third-most among safeties from the 2019 draft class, behind only Darnell Savage Jr. (eight) and Taylor Rapp (seven). From 2020 to 2021, only 11 NFL safeties had more interceptions than Hooker.
Hooker, whose contract was set to expire after the 2022 season before the extension, said the thought of playing alongside veteran safety Kevin Byard long-term is key.
"It is definitely a blessing," Hooker said of Byard. "Watching KB and how he is around the building, I wanted to mimic that because I've seen the success that he had off the field, and on the field as well.
"We have been together for four years, and we're about to be together for another four right now. So we're going to be able to be on the same page and be able to make plays and we'll be the best we can be."
The Titans kick off the 2022 season against the New York Giants on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
