In a seriously unexpected move that dropped this past Friday, former Tennessee Titan DeAndre Hopkins was spotted back on the practice field with the New England Patriots, but not with pads on. The guy is officially working with the Patriots coaching staff to kick off training camp, exploring a post-playing career, and it’s got players buzzing.
A Hall of Famer in the House, No Pads Required
Linebacker Robert Spillane, who played with Hopkins back in Tennessee, couldn’t believe his eyes. He said he “immediately ran over there and gave him a big hug.” Spillane called Hopkins a “potential Hall of Fame guy” and someone who “played the game the right way,” adding that he’s “sure he’ll do great as a coach.” And honestly, who wouldn’t be hyped? This is one of the best NFL receivers of his generation we’re talking about.
Hopkins had a stellar career, playing with Mike Vrabel in Houston before joining the Titans in 2023. That season, he snagged 75 passes for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns for Tennessee, and even played six games with them in 2024. He also spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, even battling the Patriots in 2022. The guy’s got a resume longer than your arm.
Even DBs Know This Guy Is a Problem
It’s not just the offensive guys excited. Patriots captain Marcus Jones, a cornerback, was quick to acknowledge Hopkins as an “unbelievable player.” Jones knows firsthand the “expertise when it comes down to it is much respected for everyone in the DB role.” Having Hopkins’ “expertise of knowing what progression he is in the route,” his “late hands,” and “impeccable” ball skills in the building is huge. Even the guys whose job it was to stop him are ready to pick his brain.
Hopkins will be with the offensive coaches, specifically assisting the wide receivers, and also the personnel department. Tight end Hunter Henry summed it up perfectly: “Any time you have a valuable asset like that in the room is a blessing for everybody.” Henry called him “one of the best receivers of the past decade” with “so much production,” saying they could “pick his brain on a lot of different things.” And Jones reiterated, “That’s a guy that whenever we have questions we can actually ask him and learn about the knowledge about how guys think about running routes and being a receiver.”
This is a wild opportunity for the Patriots’ young receiving corps. Imagine learning the nuances of the game from someone who lived it at the highest level for so long. As training camp really gets rolling, keep an eye on how this mentorship impacts the offense. It could be a game-changer for skill development before the season even starts.
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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