DeAndre Hopkins, easily one of the premier wide receivers of his era, is officially joining the New England Patriots’ coaching staff for training camp this summer. Forget about seeing him run routes; this 34-year-old legend is stepping into a different role, assisting the team’s coaches right off the bat. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel dropped the news himself during a press conference on Friday, making it clear Hopkins is there to “check things out as far as what he wants to do as far as coaching.” You can bet they’ll see him on the practice fields.
A Familiar Face, A New Role
This isn’t the first time Hopkins and Vrabel have linked up, by the way. Their connection goes way back to 2014 when Hopkins was just a second-year receiver for the Houston Texans and Vrabel was the team’s linebackers coach under Bill O’Brien. They even reunited in Tennessee during the 2023 season. Now, they’ve joined forces again in New England, and it sounds like it was Hopkins’ idea. Vrabel shared that Hopkins “asked if he could hang out for a couple of days and be around the coaches and around the personnel department.” After a quick call to the league to clear it, Vrabel invited him back. He’s been there for a couple of days already and is set to stick around for a few more.
An All-Pro Mind In The Coaching Ranks
Let’s talk about Hopkins’ playing career for a second, because it’s pretty wild. Since getting drafted in the first round in 2013 up through his 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens, the dude racked up 204 regular season and playoff games. He’s a five-time All-Pro selection, a five-time Pro Bowler, and boasts an insane 1,046 receptions, 13,770 receiving yards, and 87 touchdowns. While he hasn’t formally announced retirement, Vrabel was firm that Hopkins isn’t there hoping to restart his playing career. Vrabel stated, “He is coaching from here on, and he is helping the offensive coaches and work with the personnel guys. He loves football.” He added that people who love the game as much as Hopkins does often explore opportunities after their playing days. This guy knows what it takes, and he is ready to share that knowledge.
The Patriots’ wide receiver group, currently coached by Todd Downing, is heading into training camp with some serious new talent in offseason acquisitions A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. They’re joining returning veterans like Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams, plus eight other wideouts for a total of 12 on the roster. These guys will hit the practice fields for the first time this summer on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. ET. With a legend like Hopkins now in the coaching ranks, watching this receiver room develop under his guidance is going to be something to keep an eye on. What will he impart to these young guys? It’s going to be huge for their growth.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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