Chiefs Player Comments on Reuniting With DeAndre Hopkins as Teammates Again
There's been a buzz circulating Kansas City ever since the Chiefs acquired wideout DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans earlier this week. With wide receiver-related injuries mounting, the Chiefs are hoping that Hopkins' presence can play a key role in a potential third consecutive Super Bowl victory.
While some Chiefs players are familiarizing themselves with Hopkins for the first time, that isn't the case for Justin Reid. The veteran safety played alongside the five-time Pro Bowl WR when they both played for the Houston Texans during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Even though that isn't the most time players have spent as teammates, it was enough for Hopkins to leave a lasting impression on Reid.
Chiefs News: Justin Reid Excited to Reunite with DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins had nothing but praise for Hopkins when he spoke to Chiefs insider Jessee Newell on Wednesday afternoon. If all goes to plan, the team's newest addition could have a positive impact on Kansas City's younger receivers.
"[DeAndre Hopkins is] good for the entire wide receiver room to help them develop," Reid said. "[He's] approachable, easy to talk to. [If] you want to ask him any questions about ball, always willing to help."
Chiefs safety Justin Reid said he believed DeAndre Hopkins would be "good for the entire wide receiver room to help them develop." Reid described Hopkins as "approachable, easy to talk to. (If) you want to ask him any questions about ball, always willing to help."
— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) October 23, 2024
It's hard to argue with anything Reid said about his ex-Texans teammate. A former first-round pick 11 years ago, Hopkins has consistently been one of the NFL's best wideouts. Since the 2013 season, the Central, SC native has led all WRs in receptions ( 943) and receiving yards (12,528) while ranking third with 79 touchdown grabs.
In Reid's eyes, Hopkins is so good that he may as well have studied the sport in college.
"[Hopkins] knows ball," Reid also told Newell. "He has a master’s degree in playing football."
Chiefs safety Justin Reid on new WR DeAndre Hopkins, whom he previously played with in Houston: "He knows ball. He has a master’s degree in playing football."
— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) October 23, 2024
Despite being beyond his prime, Hopkins proved that he still has plenty left in the tank last season. The Titans had one of the most uninspiring aerial attacks in 2023, however, that didn't stop the ex-Clemson standout from turning 75 balls into 1,057 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Unfortunately, the Titans' offense didn't improve over the offseason, resulting in a slow start to the year for Hopkins. He tallied a 15-173-1 stat line across six appearances with Tennessee, leaving time to tell if joining the Chiefs' superior aerial attack helps the five-time All-Pro playmaker return to form.
Hopkins has carved out a reputation for himself as one of the NFL's most reliable set of hands. If he can maintain that status with the Chiefs, Mahomes might just have his new favorite weapon.
Hopkins' first opportunity to play for the Chiefs will come when they visit the rival Las Vegas Raiders this weekend. He's yet to face the Raiders since they moved to Las Vegas, having registered 196 yards and a TD in four meetings during their Oakland days.
Nevertheless, it's looking like Hopkins could taste victory if he debuts in Week 8. FanDuel Sportsbook is currently listing the Chiefs as a 9.5-point favorite over the Raiders in an AFC West showdown featuring a projected total of 41.5 points.
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