DeAndre Hopkins will forever be remembered in a positive light for the Houston Texans despite his unharmonious exit in a trade that shocked the NFL world.
The All-Pro receiver might never be in good standing with former Texans coach Bill O’Brien after he was shipped off to the Arizona Cardinals for a bag of peanuts and a new set of footballs, but he harbors no ill will toward Texans owner Cal McNair.
Hopkins, who’s set to be a free agent entering the offseason, greeted McNair, his wife Hannah and their children on the Caeser’s Superdome sidelines.
Hopkins also took off his gloves and gave them to the McNair children.
DeAndre Hopkins gives love to Texans owner Cal McNair and family.
Hopkins spent first 7 years of his career with Texans. Now at Super Bowl in Year 12: pic.twitter.com/KH6Ee7ssel
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 9, 2025
A former first-round pick and all-time great for Houston, Hopkins, 32, played in his first Super Bowl after 12 seasons. Seven years were spent with the Texans and many believed he would be a lifer after inking a new deal in 2018.
That was before Hopkins was dumped by O’Brien in a trade for running back David Johnson and a future second-round pick. O’Brien was fired four games into the 2020 season and the start of a three-year rebuild. Hopkins, meanwhile, went on to help the Cardinals reach the NFC playoffs.
Despite being gone for five seasons, Hopkins still ranks second in Texans’ history in nearly every receiving category, trailing only Hall of Famer Andre Johnson.
After being traded from the Tennessee Titans in October for a fifth-round pick, Hopkins had 41 catches for 437 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games with the Chiefs. He finished with three catches for 28 yards, a touchdown and a two-point conversion.
As a free agent, Hopkins could sign with any team. Perhaps a reunion with Houston is in the mix?