The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for another Super Bowl appearance as they gear up to meet the Eagles in New Orleans. Guys like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and head coach Andy Reid have been there for each step of the Chiefs’ dynastic run.
However, DeAndre Hopkins will be making his first appearance in the big game and he went on X to tweet out a heartfelt message about his long journey to the Super Bowl.
Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins Opens Up About His Journey
This is Hopkins’ 12th year in the NFL, and before this season, he hadn’t been further than the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Hopkins was drafted No. 27 overall by the Houston Texans in 2013 and was paired with Hall of Fame receiver Andre Johnson for his first two seasons.
Despite the lack of playoff success, Hopkins became one of the league’s premier receivers and was selected as a first-team All-Pro in his final three years as a Texan. His best year in Houston (and of his career) was in 2018 when he gained 1,572 yards on 115 receptions with 11 touchdowns.
Hopkins was traded to Arizona in the spring of 2020 and had an impressive debut season as a Cardinal. He was named second-team All-Pro after gaining 1,407 yards on 115 receptions and looked like the perfect weapon for Kyler Murray.
He signed a two-year extension upon arrival in Arizona and tested free agency after the 2022 season. On the eve of training camp in 2023, Hopkins signed a two-year deal with Tennessee hoping to return to the playoffs. He got off to a slow start in 2024 and was traded to Kansas City after six games.
In 10 regular-season games with the Chiefs, Hopkins caught 41 balls for 437 yards and four touchdowns. He’s one win away from a championship and put out a sincere message on X reminiscing about his path to the big game.
An inspirational message from @DeAndreHopkins to the next generation ❤️ pic.twitter.com/delMn0Bp2W
— NFL (@NFL) February 3, 2025
“To all the kids out there living in small towns, in small houses, with single parents. To the kids who see violence, who see loss, who don’t get the resources they deserve, but who still have big dreams, know that I was a kid in your exact shoes and this week I’m playing in the Super Bowl. Don’t give up, work hard, keep believing. Where you start doesn’t determine where you end up.”
Hopkins grew up in a town just outside Clemson, South Carolina. His father died in a car accident when he was a baby, and his mother worked multiple jobs to provide for her family.
This is a great message for anyone who’s had to overcome extreme challenges. It’s easy to give up when you think the world is against you, but Hopkins’ message applies to everyone. Don’t give up, work hard, keep believing.
