It only took DeAndre Hopkins a single series with the Kansas City Chiefs to create a new legion of fans among Chiefs Kingdom.
Earlier this week, the Chiefs finally made their move at wide receiver before the NFL's trade deadline of November 5 when they flipped a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. After watching other contenders trade for the likes of Davante Adams and Amari Cooper, it was frustrating to wait, but the Chiefs clearly knew what they were doing all along.
Coming into the team's Week 8 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chiefs had a tall order to match up with such a physical opponent—especially such a hated rival—who was bound to play the Chiefs much tougher than their last-place position in the AFC West standings would suggest.
From the outset, the Chiefs showed an impressive drive as they opened the game by going 70 yards for what would ultimately be a short rushing touchdown for running back Kareem Hunt. On the first third down of the game, however, Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes looked to his newest teammate and trusted him in that moment.
Here's what it looked like:
Welcome to the Chiefs, @DeAndreHopkins 🙌 pic.twitter.com/AhG8zRg4Jh
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 27, 2024
Of course, Chiefs Kingdom was thrilled with that first catch and everything that resulted, including another big gain for Travis Kelce and an opportunistic drive.
Let's be honest, even before the catch, we were already going crazy with excitement for Hopkins' debut.
*whispers* is this thing on 🎤🗣️ DEANDRE HOPKINS IS ON MY TV IN A CHIEFS UNIFORM ‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/Hn9CQPlORe
— Jenna (@jennaxkc) October 27, 2024
Once the catch was made, Chiefs Kingdom went bananas (or at least were quite happy, for the more measured members).
OFFENSE IS SO BACK @DeAndreHopkins I LOVE U!!! NOW DEFENSE HAS TO SPLIT ATTENTION BETWEEN U AND KILLATRAV LETS GO
— nessy (@nesssss_418) October 27, 2024
That first down to DeAndre Hopkins is just a glimpse of exactly what they need from him.
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) October 27, 2024
Our offense looks so much better with @DeAndreHopkins in it
— Shaun G (@ShaunG) October 27, 2024
Sorry, defenses, but this is going to be the case going forward.
Defenses trying to stop both DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce from converting third downs. pic.twitter.com/AbQZ8PqMQZ
— Adam Best (@Arrowhead_Adam) October 27, 2024
It's amazing how much difference a single player can make. 😉
Mahomes has not missed a pass since the Chiefs traded for Deandre Hopkins
— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) October 27, 2024
And you knew this comment was coming.
Deandre Hopkins has more receptions this season than Skyy Moore in *checks notes* 5 minutes.
— Jay (@Jay__chiefs) October 27, 2024
We did. We most certainly did.
You smiled when DeAndre Hopkins caught that pass
— jake the greek (@kokogadget1) October 27, 2024