Kansas City Chiefs fans were shocked when Brett Veach finally brought in a WR1 via the trade block, adding DeAndre Hopkins before the Chiefs' Week 8 game against the Raiders. Hopkins was limited in his first game as a Chief but man oh man did he have his KC breakout party on Monday night against the Buccaneers.
Hopkins, in just his second game donning the Chiefs red and gold, hauled in 8 catches for 86 yards and found the end zone twice. The first touchdown was set up by a sensational catch by Hopkins where multiple defenders were draped all over him and moments later, Patrick Mahomes had no problem finding his newest weapon in the end zone to help the Chiefs take the lead.
Following the game, Hopkins' comments had Chiefs fans all fired up. When asked how to describe the way he felt, Hopkins said "Honestly, words can't describe it. Been patient. This is a dream come true to get my first win in a stadium like this on a team like this, gotta keep building momentum."
He was then asked what helped him prepare in just his second game as a Chief. Hopkins praised the Chiefs coaching staff and his teammates. "It's not just me, it's everybody."
Finally, Hopkins was asked what it was like catching passes from Patrick Mahomes. He said that he and his mom knew this day would come and that he's "just being present in the moment."
DeAndre Hopkins sounds like he's enjoying himself in Kansas City
Chiefs fans had been hoping the team would bring Hopkins in for years so when Veach finally made it happen, it was a dream come true for the fan base. Hopkins immediately showed that he was worth bringing in too, putting together a massive game and giving Mahomes his best wide receiver weapon since Tyreek Hill was traded during the 2022 offseason.
Hopkins is set to hit free agency following the 2024 season and with comments like these, the hope is that Kansas City has made enough of a positive impression on him already that he re-signs and continues to help this offense thrive. Hopkins is 32 years old so he's not at the peak of his career anymore but he's clearly shown that he has plenty of gas left in the tank.