DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins entered the NFL when he was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, 27th overall. Widely regarded as one of the most polished receivers coming out of college, Hopkins quickly established himself as a key player for the Texans and began his journey in professional football with a promising career ahead.

In August 2017, DeAndre Hopkins signed a five-year contract extension with the Houston Texans worth $81 million, with $49 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL at the time. This contract was a testament to Hopkins' value to the team and his status as one of the elite wide receivers in the league.

On December 23, 2018, DeAndre Hopkins broke the Houston Texans' single-season reception record, previously held by Andre Johnson, in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Hopkins made his 115th catch of the season, showcasing his talent for route running, strong hands, and ability to consistently outmaneuver defenders. This record further cemented Hopkins as one of the premier wide receivers in Texans history.

On March 16, 2020, DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in a blockbuster deal. The trade sent shockwaves across the NFL as the Texans received running back David Johnson and two draft picks in return. The move was widely criticized and was seen as a highly favorable trade for the Cardinals while the Texans let go of their star wide receiver.

DeAndre Hopkins made a spectacular debut with the Arizona Cardinals on September 13, 2020, against the San Francisco 49ers. He caught 14 passes for 151 yards, helping lead the Cardinals to a 24-20 victory. This performance showcased Hopkins' incredible talent and ability to make an immediate impact on his new team.

DeAndre Hopkins had an outstanding season with the Arizona Cardinals, accumulating over 1,400 receiving yards, which was one of the best performances by a wide receiver in the 2020 NFL season. His connection with quarterback Kyler Murray was a highlight of the season, leading to numerous game-changing plays and cementing Hopkins as an elite receiver in the league.

DeAndre Hopkins reached a remarkable milestone in his NFL career by achieving his 800th career reception on November 21, 2021, during a game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks. This achievement highlighted Hopkins' consistency and excellence in the league, proving him to be one of the most reliable wide receivers in NFL history.

On May 2, 2022, DeAndre Hopkins was suspended for six games without pay due to violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Hopkins stated that he was confused and shocked by the suspension, and he planned to investigate how the banned substance could have entered his system. This suspension was a significant setback for Hopkins and the Cardinals.

On June 12, 2023, the Arizona Cardinals released DeAndre Hopkins, making him a free agent. This decision shocked many, as Hopkins was still considered one of the top receivers in the league. The Cardinals cited salary cap considerations and Hopkins' recent injuries as reasons for his release. This move left Hopkins free to explore new opportunities with other teams.

On July 16, 2023, DeAndre Hopkins signed a contract with the Tennessee Titans, marking a new chapter in his NFL career. Hopkins joined the Titans in hopes of reviving an offense that had struggled with inconsistency. His experience and proven track record were anticipated to be a significant boost for the Titans' receiving corps.