The Kansas City Chiefs made a significant addition to their wide receivers room with the recent trade for DeAndre Hopkins. He opened up to reporters on Thursday for the first time since the deal was finalized, giving Chiefs fans insight into his personality.
Hopkins, who wore jersey number ten throughout his career, will be sitting up with the number eight in Kansas City. Ten is occupied by injured starting running back Isiah Pacheco, while eight, previously worn by Justyn Ross, according to Hopkins, also holds much meaning in his life.
“Kobe Bryant, one of my favorite athletes of all time,” said Hopkins. “So I knew if I ever got the chance to wear number eight, you know, just like when I picked number 10, (Lionel) Messi was my favorite soccer player; underdog felt like me at the time coming out of college and, you know, Kobe, number eight, special, number.”
Many athletes in and outside the NFL relate to Hopkins’ admiration for the late NBA legend and five-time champion. The multiple-time All-Pro receiver hopes for championship credentials as he begins his tenure with the Chiefs.
