DeAndre Hopkins makes his Kansas City Chiefs debut in Week 8, but it’s not just the on-field excitement that’s grabbing attention as the 32-year-old wide receiver will don a Chiefs jersey for the first time against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Chiefs swung a big trade to bring in the All-Pro receiver mid-week, giving Hopkins little time to adjust to head coach Andy Reid’s complex offense and his new teammates.
DeAndre Hopkins Has the NFL World Rooting for Him
Hopkins paid an emotional tribute to his late father, leaving fans touched by his personal journey. His Instagram story featured the Kansas City jersey and his white cleats with one clear message: “Know you watching pops.”
🚨JUST IN: New #Chiefs receiver DeAndre Hopkins is ready to make his KC debut in a couple of hours.
“Know you watching pops” – written on his cleats.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 27, 2024
Many on social media responded with heartfelt comments, with one fan capturing the sentiment perfectly, saying, “How can you not love him?”
“I hope he has a game for his Dad,” said another.
One user wrote: “Hell yeah! Pops gonna see his boy win a SB this yr.”
“That’s dope! I’m actually happy for bro,” wrote another.
One user simply commented with a string of hearts: “🧡🧡🧡”
“I hope DHop goes off,” said another, wanting the Chiefs’ latest superstar to have a great start for his sad.
The Chiefs aim to stay undefeated, and with Hopkins becoming the latest weapon in Reid’s offensive arsenal, the combo of him and Mahomes has the potential to become unstoppable. His touching tribute has fans rooting for him even more.
Who Is Hopkins’ Father?
Hopkins’ journey to NFL stardom is linked to his late father’s legacy, Harris Steve Hopkins. Steve had the reputation of a charismatic figure in South Carolina with a unique sense of style in cars, jewelry, and fashion brands. Though DeAndre barely knew his dad, he’s often said to have inherited his father’s bold personality and taste.
Tragically, Steve’s life was cut short when DeAndre was just an infant after a fatal car accident on a rainy day ended his father’s life. Steve had his fair share of run-ins with law and order because of a lengthy rap sheet with federal charges. Hopkins’ father was a drug dealer.
Following Steve’s passing, Hopkins was raised by his mother, Sabrina Greenlee, a true symbol of resilience. A survivor of a traumatic acid attack, Greenlee worked tirelessly to provide for DeAndre and his three siblings, Marcus Greenlee, Kesha Smith, and Shanterria Cobb.
From working in an automotive plant to dancing at night and even selling drugs, her determination inspired her children to pursue greatness.
Congratulations on your book launch Mom!
This is my mom’s story of conquering motherhood. From selling drugs just to feed four kids, to overcoming depression from being blind. This is more than a book, it’s Us.
Buy it here: https://t.co/jGYRNoQOYp pic.twitter.com/5pM0F7PpXe
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) July 10, 2024
Today, Greenlee is a devoted mother and philanthropist and founder of SMOOOTH, a nonprofit focused on empowering women and children.