Ahead of a potential resurgent season with the Titans, star receiver DeAndre Hopkins made it clear he hasn’t forgotten about the teams who passed on him during free agency this offseason.
During a recent interview with GQ, Hopkins, who joined Tennessee on a two-year deal in July, admitted there were a few teams he contacted that “didn’t give a call back.” When asked for specifics, the 31-year-old initially paused before naming the 49ers, Giants, Lions and Cowboys.
“Detroit Lions, they didn’t want me,” Hopkins told GQ. “Dallas Cowboys didn’t want me. Giants didn’t want me. S---. Who else ain’t want me? San Fran[cisco] ain’t want me.”
The five-time Pro Bowler went on to reveal the message he hopes to send in his first year with the Titans—especially to the teams who overlooked him.
“I’m very grateful for where I am, I think I made the best decision,” said Hopkins. “But when you’re a player and some people feel like they’re great without you, and then you see what they have on paper, or you see what they do, you mark those games down, as a competitor. I can’t wait to play’ em and, honestly, try my best to crush they a--.”
Unfortunately for Hopkins, the Titans aren’t scheduled to face any of the four teams he says snubbed him during the regular season. But Hopkins should still have plenty of motivation to bounce back as the 11-year veteran looks to move on from a turbulent three-year stint with the Cardinals.