It’s best not to believe everything found online, including retirement rumors of older players.
While former Houston Texans star receiver DeAndre Hopkins might no longer serve as a No. 1 threat in the league after 12 seasons, he’s not ready to call it a career yet.
Recently, retirement talks coming from a fake Adam Schefter account sparked the influence that Hopkins might be hanging up the cleats following his performance in Super Bowl LIX. The report stated that Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters that Hopkins informed the team of his intent to retire following the 40-22 loss in New Orleans.
Hopkins took to X to clear the rumors in a now-deleted tweet, stating, “Don’t know what you heard but I’m not done yet.”
The Chiefs traded for Hopkins in October to bolster their receiver room following the season-ending injury to Rashee Rice, sending a conditional fifth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans.
Far from his All-Pro form back during his glory days in Houston, Hopkins still caught 41 passes for 437 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games.
Against the Philadelphia Eagles, he also caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes in the fourth quarter and a two-point conversion following a touchdown pass to Xavier Worthy.
At 32, Hopkins is set to hit free agency for the first time since being released from the Arizona Cardinals. Texans fans have pondered the idea of a potential reunion despite his unceremonious departure ahead of the 2020 season in what many consider to be the worst trade in NFL history.
But Hopkins, who spent seven seasons with the Texans after being drafted out of Clemson in 2013, could be looking to join a contender. Does Houston fit his mold for what’s needed to win now?
Do the Texans believe Hopkins still has something left in the tank for one last right as a weapon for C.J. Stroud?
Whether he returns to the Chiefs, Texans or joins another team remains to be seen but Hopkins isn’t calling it quits just yet.
He’s only getting started on the next chapter.