Kansas City Chiefs fans now know what number they will be wearing when they order their DeAndre Hopkins jerseys.
Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star reported Thursday the wide receiver will wear No. 8 with his new team. Hopkins told reporters the choice was inspired by Kobe Bryant’s first number with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Chiefs acquired Hopkins in a trade from the Tennessee Titans and sent the AFC South team a conditional fifth-round draft pick that could become a fourth-rounder in return.
Officially official.
Welcome to Chiefs Kingdom, @DeAndreHopkins 🫡 pic.twitter.com/9yqz7pqSMi
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 24, 2024
This is a change for Hopkins, who previously wore No. 10 with the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals and Titans. However, running back Isiah Pacheco is already No. 10 for the Chiefs.
Pete Grathoff of the Kansas City Star noted there was some speculation Hopkins would sign with Kansas City ahead of the 2023 campaign, which prompted questions about Pacheco’s No. 10.
“Knowing DeAndre Hopkins, he may not ask for the number,” Pacheco told reporters at the time. “Rookie, just got a Super Bowl ring, you know what I’m saying? Willing to get another one with him. So for me, I just know whatever it takes to get him here to be on the team, let’s do it. Let’s make it happen.”
The running back doesn’t have to worry about giving up the number, as Hopkins will be No. 8.
TANNEHILL. HOPKINS. @Titans take a 28-13 lead.
📺: #JAXvsTEN on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/fn0gq6VDPq— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
And the Chiefs offense will surely be thrilled to have him out there, as injuries have largely plagued the group despite a 6-0 start to the season. Pacheco, as well as receivers Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Skyy Moore, are all dealing with injuries ahead of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
That means Hopkins will be thrown into a significant role right away and will be seen as a go-to option alongside Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy.
It is a role he has thrived in as a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro selection with seven seasons of more than 1,000 yards on his resume. He may not be quite the same receiver he was at his peak now that he is 32 years old and in his 12th season, but he should have plenty of opportunity to succeed with the reigning champions.
