
DeAndre Hopkins, a seasoned wide receiver with years of NFL experience, is now part of the Kansas City Chiefs as they aim for another Super Bowl title. Though the Chiefs are no strangers to playoff battles, Hopkins is pursuing his first championship this season. He joined the team after Rashee Rice’s knee injury cut his season short, providing a valuable boost to the Chiefs’ offense. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Hopkins’ wealth of experience could prove essential as Kansas City aims for a three-peat.
Hopkins began his career with the Houston Texans, who drafted him in 2013 with the 27th overall pick. His partnership with veteran Andre Johnson set the stage for Hopkins to become a top target in Houston’s offense. Over the next seven years, Hopkins posted five 1,000-yard seasons, including a career-high 1,572 yards in 2018. He was also a consistent scorer, recording double-digit touchdowns in three different seasons. Hopkins’ time with the Texans ended in dramatic fashion with a loss to the Chiefs in the divisional round, where Houston blew a 24-0 lead.
In 2020, the Texans made a surprising trade, sending Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for running back David Johnson and draft picks. In his first season with the Cardinals, Hopkins showed he still had plenty left in the tank, recording 1,407 yards. However, injuries and a suspension for a performance-enhancing drug marred his final two years with Arizona. The Cardinals ultimately released him in May 2023 after struggling to find a trade partner.
DeAndre Hopkins stats
Season | Team | Games | Rec. | Yards | TD |
2013 | Texans | 16 | 52 | 802 | 2 |
2014 | Texans | 16 | 76 | 1,210 | 6 |
2015 | Texans | 16 | 111 | 1,521 | 11 |
2016 | Texans | 16 | 78 | 954 | 4 |
2017 | Texans | 15 | 96 | 1,378 | 13 |
2018 | Texans | 16 | 115 | 1,572 | 11 |
2019 | Texans | 15 | 104 | 1,165 | 7 |
2020 | Cardinals | 16 | 115 | 1,407 | 6 |
2021 | Cardinals | 10 | 42 | 572 | 8 |
2022 | Cardinals | 9 | 64 | 717 | 3 |
2023 | Titans | 17 | 75 | 1,057 | 7 |
2024 | Titans/Chiefs | 16 | 56 | 610 | 5 |
Career | 178 | 984 | 12,965 | 83 |
Hopkins briefly considered joining the Chiefs during free agency but ultimately signed with the Tennessee Titans for the 2023 season. Despite the Titans’ lackluster performance, Hopkins posted solid numbers, finishing the year with 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. However, after struggling with an injury in training camp in 2024, Hopkins was traded to the Chiefs in October for a conditional fifth-round pick. In Kansas City, Hopkins has had a steady impact, notably contributing 86 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 9 win over the Buccaneers. Although Marquise “Hollywood” Brown’s return could affect Hopkins’ role in the playoffs, he will still be a key weapon in the Chiefs’ offense.
Over his career, Hopkins has amassed impressive statistics, totaling 12,965 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns. He currently leads all active players in receiving yards and ranks 21st on the all-time list. He is also tied for 26th in touchdown catches alongside notable names like Antonio Brown and Calvin Johnson.
In terms of earnings, Hopkins has made $140.1 million over his career, with lucrative contracts from the Texans, Cardinals, and Titans. He is now playing the final year of a two-year, $26 million deal with the Titans.