Emotional DeAndre Hopkins reflects on 12-year NFL career after reaching first ever Super Bowl with Chiefs

DeAndre Hopkins is no stranger to adversity. After 12 long seasons in the NFL trying to navigate through systems, coaches and franchises, he finally found the right blend of elite coaching and offensive mastery, leading to his first-ever Super Bowl appearance.

Following the Kansas City Chiefs’ dramatic 32-29 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship, the veteran wide receiver reflected on a career filled with doubts, resilience, and redemption.

“I’ve been doubted. A lot of people wrote me off,” Hopkins said emotionally during a post-game interview. “Twelve years in the league. Man, I got traded for some pennies in my prime. So I want to thank this organization. They gave me a shot. I know I could go out here and make plays when I need to, draw double teams, and play meaningful football.”

Hopkins began the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans, recording 15 receptions for 173 yards and one touchdown in six games. He was traded to the Chiefs in October 2024, where he added 41 catches for 437 yards and four touchdowns in ten games.

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DeAndre Hopkins is going to the Super Bowl after a journeyman-like NFL career

Hopkins’ career path to this moment has been anything but smooth. In an unceremonious move, the five-time Pro Bowler was traded from the Houston Texans to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 for what many considered a shockingly low price—in exchange for running back David Johnson and two draft picks.

After spending three years in Arizona and a year in Tennessee, Hopkins signed with the Chiefs on a one-year deal, betting on himself to thrive alongside Patrick Mahomes in Andy Reid’s high-powered offense. The gamble paid off, as Hopkins emerged as a reliable target, especially in high-pressure moments.

“It means a lot. It takes your game to a different level,” Hopkins said about playing with the two-time defending champions. “Takes your focus, your drive to a different level, knowing you're playing for something. It takes your game to a different level.”

Against the Bills on Sunday night, Hopkins reminded fans about his value yet again. While his stat line—one catches for 11 yards—was modest, his presence demanded double teams, opening up opportunities for Mahomes to exploit mismatches elsewhere. His crucial third-down conversion in the fourth quarter extended a drive that led to Harrison Butker’s game-winning field goal.

“Hop’s experience and poise have been a huge asset for us,” Mahomes said post-game. “When you have a guy who’s seen it all and still has that fire to compete, it elevates the whole team.”

Now, Hopkins stands just one win away from cementing his legacy. The Chiefs will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, a matchup brimming with intrigue as Kansas City aims for an unprecedented three-peat.