The NFL world was taken by surprise when former Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
However, fans were thrilled about the new addition to the two-time Super Bowl champs’ roster amid various injuries holding them back compared to the explosive squad fans were accustomed to years before.
Hopkins might be on the field for the first time with the Chiefs this Sunday for their matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, and when he does, he will wear the No. 8 jersey for a special reason.
During his introductory press conference on Thursday, Hopkins shared the reason he chose the digit: “Kobe Bryant, one of my favorite athletes of all time. … Like when I picked No. 10, (Lionel) Messi was my favorite. No. 8 is a special number.”
NFL Fans React to DeAndre Hopkins’ New Jersey Number
Listening to the heartwarming reason behind his choice, one fan said, “DeAndre Hopkins is my new favorite player.”
DeAndre Hopkins is my new favorite player. https://t.co/UwlREyQ1X7
— Levi H. (@levihutmacher) October 24, 2024
Another fan added, “Legend status. Now catch some tuddies [touchdowns] for my fantasy team.”
“Did he really have much of a choice?? Aren’t most of the numbers already taken?” another fan commented.
“it’s over. We are going 20-0,” another fan predicted.
One fan raised concerns over the originality of the idea: “Who does dhop think he is taking Justyn ‘goat’ Ross number?”
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Talks About Hopkins’ Addition to the Team
Hopkins is in the final year of the two-year contract he signed with the Titans and was traded in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick. Talking about his thought process while getting the big news, he said, “When I got the news, obviously, I was excited and ready to get to work.
“It means a lot. It takes your game to a different level. Your focus, your drive, knowing that you’re playing for something. It takes your game to a different level. … I haven’t played meaningful football in a couple years.”
Talking about Hopkins’ position on the team, head coach Andy Reid said, “We’re excited to have him here and join in with that receiving core. He’s been a proven player. He’ll work in those spots that [JuJu Smith-Schuster] and [Rashee Rice] did.”
The Raiders-Chiefs matchup is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday, Oct. 27.