The time has finally come for DeAndre Hopkins. After a 12-year career, the Kansas City Chiefs receiver will finally have the opportunity to play in a Super Bowl. However, despite being one of the best receivers of his generation, his previous teams did not appreciate his talent.
Hopkins was the 27th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and was a key part of the Texans’ AFC South division title wins in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. However, the Texans traded him to the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 for running back David Johnson and a second-round pick in 2020.
After a strong first year with the Cardinals, injuries sidelined him for most of 2021 and 2022. A drug penalty also sealed his departure from the Cardinals to the Tennessee Titans, where he played throughout 2023 and part of 2024, before finally landing in Kansas City.
His arrival was a breath of fresh air for the Chiefs, who had lost receivers Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice, and Skyy Moore to injury. The veteran became a key piece in the team’s run to Super Bowl LIX, the first in Hopkins’ long career.
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Hopkins put out the fire for the Chiefs
In an interview with CBS Sports, Hopkins recalled his dark years in the NFL. “I’ve been doubted. A lot of people wrote me off. Twelve years in the league, man. I got traded for pennies in my prime,” Hopkins reproached.
However, the veteran thanked the Chiefs for giving him a new opportunity. “They knew I could still go out there and make plays when I need to, draw double teams, and play beautiful football.”
He explained that kind of confidence is what drove his game this season. “It takes your game to a different level. It takes your focus, your drive to a different level, knowing you’re playing for something,” Hopkins said.
Road to the Super Bowl
The returns of Marquise Brown and Mecole Hardman limited Hopkins’ playoff involvement. In the AFC Championship Game against the Bills, the veteran caught just one pass for 11 yards. However, as he said, his presence was a constant concern for Buffalo’s defense.
Now, the team is on its way to its third consecutive Super Bowl with Hopkins as one of its biggest stars. If the veteran achieves a fraction of what he did in his prime, he will be pure poison for the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense and perhaps finally hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy.