Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are just a few hours away from trying to take down Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles for the second time in three years as they try to become the first team ever to win three straight Super Bowls. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins may end up playing a very big role in this game.
Hopkins made his arrival to the game in fairly loud fashion, draped in a full length mink coat. While this was eye-catching enough, the meaning behind this look will make even the coldest heart out there start to get emotional.
Hopkins' father passed away in a car accident when he was just five months old, leaving this coat behind. Hopkins always said he would wear it to either his wedding or his first Super Bowl, whichever came first. His date with destiny preceded any nuptials, and Hopkins will try his hardest to make his family even more proud of him.
Chiefs' DeAndre Hopkins honors late father with pregame coat before Super Bowl 59
Hopkins was one of the best receivers in the game during his prime with the Texans and Cardinals, but he didn't get to see a ton of postseason success. Hopkins, who has just under 13,000 career receiving yards and 83 touchdowns, may get a chance to finally slip a ring on his finger.
Extrapolating his per-game averages following his trade to the Chiefs out to a full season, Hopkins would have tallied 70 catches for 743 yards and seven touchdowns. As an older No. 3 receiving option without great speed, Hopkins has shown he can still get open underneath and make tough catches.
Hopkins has just one catch for 11 yards in two postseason games with Kansas City. Time will tell if Mahomes leans on Travis Kelce more in the passing game this time around due to the threat of Philadelphia's secondary or if Hopkins is able to turn back the clock.
Hopkins already has a career that should end with him getting a Canton bust, but he could make his case even more attractive if he's able to help Mahomes get this done and pick up Kansas City's third championship in a row. He's certainly going into this game with a heavy heart.
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