Eric Sorenson
Sunday will mark a special homecoming for Hogan Hatten.
The undrafted rookie free agent from the University of Idaho is now the starting long snapper for the Super Bowl-contending Detroit Lions.
“Zone Read” recently caught up with the former Pinnacle and Saguaro High star to discuss a number of different topics both on, and off, the field leading up to the Lions-Cardinals game this weekend in Glendale.
From the small sample size you’ve had, how is life in Detroit? “Detroit has been awesome! I really like the city. The people have been really nice. It’s not what you hear, and that’s one of the coolest things. It’s an amazing city with amazing people.”
What stereotypes that we may hear about “The D” do we need to ignore? “Just the negative connotations that comes with being in the city. It’s not true. I go to the stadium. I love hanging out there. I love downtown and The Tin Roof [Bar]. The people are super nice. It’s a great spot to be.”
How does it compare to Moscow, Idaho? “(laughing) You know, it’s different in the city aspect just because there’s big buildings and more people, but the weather and the vibe is actually pretty Idaho-esque.”
It’s been a wonderful ride. Thank you Moscow #Vsup pic.twitter.com/Wwi5SAskB2
— Hogan Hatten (@hogan_hatten) February 12, 2024
When did you start snapping? “Ive been snapping footballs through my legs since I was maybe 12 or 13-year-old when I was just a little kid.We had to do it in Pee Wee football. Somebody had to do it. I was like, ‘I’ll do it.'”
What separates a good long snapper from a great one? “Accuracy is always something people are going to look at. Accuracy and how hard you’re throwing it with that accuracy. I think a huge advantage for me is being an athlete, being able to move my feet well. I can get down field and help cover the punt. I can make it a 10-on-10 situation, instead of a 9-on-10 situation.”
😤No. 49 getting down the field and making the stop!😤#GoVandals | #ProVandals | @hogan_hatten https://t.co/18Tcw9or6k
— Idaho Football (@VandalFootball) August 9, 2024
What is more challenging for you: long snapping or short snapping? “They’re both different, and I don’t think one is more difficult than the other. In all honesty, how a little bit more missing room on the punt aspect, just because it’s a bigger target, but you’re throwing it further. Field goal-wise, it’s more important to be crisp and clean and have the laces set and throw a nice, tight ball so the kicker’s confident and the holder can put it down.”
That beautiful snap looks familiar, @hogan_hatten!#ProVandals https://t.co/ZIXhW6EfxN
— Idaho Football (@VandalFootball) August 18, 2024
About two years ago, I ran into your [twin] brother Hayden, and told me then you were going to snap one day in the NFL. Did you always feel this goal was attainable for you to play in the league? “I always thought it was attainable because there’s such a small percentage of people who do it. I always thought the possibility was there. I knew if I put my best foot forward and worked hard, it could possibly happen. I’m just lucky enough that I performed well…I worked hard and I knew if I put together a good Pro Day somebody would take a look at me, and give me a shot on a team. I’m just happy that the Detroit Lions did.”
Another shout out to our guy #49 of the Detroit Lions Hogan Hatten! Honolulu Blue looks good on U!! @hogan_hatten @Lions @NFL #fyp pic.twitter.com/Yr7pGWRJAs
— Michael Scully (@MedinahScully) September 17, 2024
How did you end up signing with the Lions? Did you have your choice of other teams besides Detroit? “Yes, I had a choice, honesty, between quite a few teams. I just spoke with the coaches over at the Lions and I really liked what Coach [Dave] Fipp [Lions Special Teams Coach] was all about. He’s a pretty serious dude and I know I get the rep for being sort of a fun, happy guy and maybe I need to be a little more serious. It’s good for me to have somebody like him and it’s good for me to have a mentor like [Lions Special Assistant for Football Operations] Don Muhlbach who has been the snapper here for the last 17 years. I just have a lot of great people to learn under and work under. I know I have a lot to learn. I’m just excited to get this ball rolling downhill and in the right direction.”
Did you have a pretty good feeling after the pre-season that you’d make the 53-man roster? “Feelings are great and I thought I had a good shot, but at the end of the day when you’re taking somebody’s job, especially long snapper-wise, you’re never really confident about it. Coming out of this year’s draft class, I was the lowest-rated long snapper signed by far. I was the only one of us to make a team. I just knew if I stayed committed, I’d give myself a good shot.”
I’m guessing long snapping is a lot of muscle memory and consistency. Take us through your pre-snap routine when you approach the ball. “I really only care about one thing. I like to have the [NFL] shield logo on the palm of my hand. That’s the only thing I really care about. If you look at a football, there are four quarter panels. I hold my hand exactly as you’d throw a football if you were Brett Favre. I hold my left hand on the opposite quarter panel. I use my left hand primarily as a guide.”
Do you hear the crowd and everything going on around you before the snap? “When I’m over the ball, I really don’t hear anything except the personal protector or see the signal in terms of snapping the ball. I just think you get to a point where you’ve been in so many high-pressure situations for so long. The University of Idaho may not be Alabama football, but if you play in an FCS playoff game, you feel like its a national championship. At the end of the day, the pressure can only get so high…for me, those pre-season games felt like Super Bowls.”
Even going back to high school, the moment never seemed too big for you but, be honest, were you a little star struck when you went in the Lions’ locker room for the first time and saw all the star power in the same space you now share with them? “It’s really cool, especially when my locker is next to Hendon Hooker’s and Jared Goff’s. It’s great…but you try to stay a player. because at the end of the day, I look at Jared and he’s the quarterback, and he looks at me and says, ‘Hogan’s the long snapper.’ You try to stay in your lane and realize everybody’s a player. You don’t want to fan [boy] out, especially when you’re a member of the team.”
Look what arrived today!! @hogan_hatten #GoVandals pic.twitter.com/yXKaHXeHTB
— RNAngie (@RNAngieArnzen) June 13, 2024
People in Detroit love their football. Have you been recognized yet in public? “Yes! I’m the long snapper and I’ve been recognized. It’s crazy. It’s a crazy, crazy, crazy following. People are die-hard here. I’m telling you, some people would chop off their left foot for the Lions to win a Super Bowl. I was at Benihana’s about a week ago and I four or five different people come up to me at dinner and ask to take pictures with me. I couldn’t believe it. I’m not famous, but I’ll take it.”
What is it going to be like for you coming home this weekend to your home state to play against the Cardinals in Glendale? “The part that is going to be so special is I’m probably going to be spending my entire game check on tickets (laughing). I think I’m going to have between 35 and 40 people there. Being able to go home, see all my family and friends – see my best friends and let them be a part of my life now in the NFL. It will be really special for me to walk out [onto the field] and see everybody and have “Hatten” on the back of my jersey. It’s going to be a special moment for me because I’ve been in that stadium countless times as a fan. Growing up in Phoenix, my dad would always take us to Cardinals’ games.”
The Lions and Cardinals kickoff Sunday at 1:25 from State Farm Stadium.
