Newly acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

DeAndre Hopkins reveals why he chose Titans over Patriots

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 7/25/23

As DeAndre Hopkins stood in front of the Nashville media on Monday for the first time as a member of the Tennessee Titans as the team kicked off training camp, he knew which questions were coming his way.

Hopkins, who signed with the Titans over the New England Patriots, had a few reasons for why he picked Tennessee. But as he told reporters at Saint Thomas Sports Park, the ultimate deciding factor came down to the relationships he’s already built with those inside the Titans locker room.

“Going into Year 11, I wanted to be somewhere around people that I’m comfortable with,” Hopkins said. “…The competitive roster that (head coach Mike) Vrabel and (GM) Ran (Carthon) have built (was appealing). I want to be able to compete. Obviously, that starts with the division and after that, the rest speaks for itself.”

What about the #Titans made WR DeAndre Hopkins think this team can be a competitor?

His answer might catch you off-guard: pic.twitter.com/k2n6QrDRHJ
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) July 25, 2023

Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly coached Hopkins for six seasons in Houston, one of which as his OC. That year, Hopkins caught 104 of his 150 targets for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns en route to his fourth Pro Bowl and third first-team All-Pro selection.

Vrabel also spent four seasons alongside Hopkins in Houston where he worked primarily with the Texans defense. Their bond, however, lasted long after each moved onto different teams, with Hopkins recalling Vrabel texting him after a game during his first season with the Arizona Cardinals to ask why de dropped a pass that he should have caught.

But the coaches aren’t the only ones Hopkins is close with. The 31-year-old receiver is friends with Titans running back Derrick Henry, who he, in not so many words, credited with recruiting him to Tennessee.

“Derrick (Henry) played a big factor in me coming here,” Hopkins said. “I always wanted to be part of an offense that had a great run game. I know that helps my job, I know it’s going to help his job having someone like me out there. Obviously, I played with Arian Foster, I played with some great running backs, but Derrick Henry is definitely by far one of the best running backs that I will have the chance to play with. … Derrick Henry being here played a very big part in me coming here.”

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