Few players have traveled a road as winding and improbable as DeAndre Hopkins. Once considered one of the NFL’s elite wide receivers, his name became synonymous with highlight-reel catches and matchup nightmares.
A five-time All-Pro, Hopkins has amassed just under 13,000 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns, cementing himself as one of the most dominant wide receivers of his era. But despite the eye-popping stats and highlight-reel plays, postseason success had eluded him — until now. With a Super Bowl berth in his possession, Hopkins finally has the chance to add the ultimate accolade to his Hall of Fame résumé: a championship ring.
Deandre Hopkins Will Finally Play in a Super Bowl
In his first season with the Kansas City Chiefs, the 32-year-old receiver finally broke through the playoff barrier. The Chiefs survived a thrilling 32-29 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship, securing their spot in Super Bowl 59.
Hopkins wasn’t a focal point in the win, recording just one reception for 11 yards, but his presence has been pivotal all year, providing quarterback Patrick Mahomes with yet another weapon in a scrutinized arsenal. With his help, Kansas City finished 12th in PFN’s Offense+ metric.
After the game, Hopkins was visibly emotional.
“A lot of people wrote me off,” he said. “12 years in the league, I got traded for some pennies in my prime, so I just want to thank the organization that gave me a shot.”
What a moment for DeAndre Hopkins.
12 years in the league. Four teams. Five-time Pro Bowler.
First AFC title game in the books, and now first Super Bowl on the way.
"They gave me a shot." #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/NtExyKqdTe
— Marleah Campbell (@MarleahKCTV5) January 27, 2025
The “pennies” he referred to are two-fold. Hopkins was traded from the Tennessee Titans to Kansas City in October for just a conditional fifth-round pick (that could become a fourth-rounder). In 2020, he was traded from the Houston Texans to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. Despite being in his prime and fresh off multiple All-Pro seasons, Hopkins was sent to the Cardinals in exchange for a second-round pick and running back David Johnson.
Critics, analysts, and fans all saw the move as a slight to Hopkins’ value, a sentiment that seems to have fueled his recent resurgence.
With the win, Kansas City not only secured its third consecutive Super Bowl appearance but also extended its NFL-record streak to 17 straight victories in games decided by one score.
Super Bowl 59 Preview
Now, Hopkins has his best shot at a championship. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, will take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a highly anticipated rematch of Super Bowl 57, which they won 38-35. Kansas City will aim to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowl titles.
The Eagles, however, won’t make it easy. Philadelphia demolished the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the NFC Championship Game and has a dominant roster on both sides of the ball, headlined by an elite running game. Their memory of falling short against Kansas City two years ago will undoubtedly underline their preparation for the rematch.
For Hopkins, this Super Bowl is more than a shot at a championship — it’s a testament to perseverance, talent, and the unshakable belief that, even when traded for pennies, you can still prove priceless on the biggest stage.