After DeAndre Hopkins caught his first touchdown with the Kansas City Chiefs in their thrilling Monday Night Football victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the wide receiver celebrated with a signature dance from the movie Remember the Titans. Some fans quickly speculated that the celebration was aimed as a jab at his former team, the Tennessee Titans. However, Hopkins wasted no time addressing the rumors on social media, clarifying the intent behind his move.
“It was a shout to Tennessee,” Hopkins posted on X. “If you know me, you know it’s nothing but love for Nashville. [Titans GM Ran Carthon] and his crew are like family. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”
Hopkins, who joined the Titans in July 2023 on a two-year deal, was traded to the Chiefs on October 24 after struggling to make an impact in Tennessee’s struggling offense. Despite his solid 2023 season with the Titans, where he tallied over 1,000 receiving yards, Hopkins was limited to just 15 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown in six games before the trade. The Titans’ passing attack has been one of the worst in the NFL, ranking second-to-last at the season’s halfway point, which hindered Hopkins’ production.
Since moving to Kansas City, however, Hopkins has quickly developed chemistry with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In his debut with the Chiefs in Week 8, Hopkins had 29 yards on two catches. But it was on Monday night that he truly showed what he’s capable of. Hopkins finished with eight catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular reception in the second quarter where he hauled in a pass with three Buccaneers defenders closing in. The catch set up his first touchdown as a Chief on the very next play.
In a rainy, overtime battle, Hopkins played a pivotal role in Kansas City’s offensive resurgence. The Chiefs, who have leaned heavily on their defense for their undefeated 8-0 start, had seen Mahomes struggle early in the season, throwing more interceptions (9) than touchdowns (8). But with Hopkins becoming more comfortable in the Chiefs’ offense, Mahomes exploded for three touchdown passes and no interceptions in the win over Tampa Bay, marking his first interception-free game of the season.
Hopkins’ performance not only silenced any speculation about his celebration but also proved that his move to Kansas City could be just what the Chiefs need to spark their offense moving forward.
