The Indianapolis Colts made a decision to decline the fifth-year option of safety Malik Hooker, who now enters a pivotal season with a lot to prove.
For the first time since that news broke back in May, Hooker addressed the media and the Colts’ decision to decline his option. The 24-year-old sees it as a motivational call to prove he’s worthy of another contract.
Malik Hooker calls it a ‘motivational call’ not getting his 5th year option picked up.
Hooker acknowledges his consistency must improve.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) August 19, 2020
Hooker has been somewhat of an enigma since being drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He shined in his rookie season before tearing his ACL but has been inconsistent with his production since then.
Hooker has also dealt with a variety of injuries throughout his first three seasons with the Colts and has to prove he can get through a season without dealing with significant injury.
Despite the Colts declining Hooker’s fifth-year option, he did say how much he wants to stay in Indy.
Hooker: "Obviously, I want to be here. I love Indianapolis."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 19, 2020
This is a big year for Hooker and he’s started off training camp on a strong note. He will need to continue proving he belongs as a part of the future by staying healthy and producing at a high level in the defensive backfield.
