Travis Kelce has been nothing short of impressed with DeAndre Hopkins since the Kansas City Chiefs acquired the star wide receiver last week. The tight end, who has a reputation for being vocal about his teammates, has already taken to Hopkins so much that he’s even given him a nickname.
Hopkins joined the Chiefs in a trade with the Tennessee Titans last Wednesday, following season-ending injuries to Chiefs receivers Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and Rashee Rice. Kansas City managed to land the five-time Pro Bowler for a fifth-round pick, which could potentially become a fourth-rounder based on conditions.
Since his arrival, Hopkins has made an immediate impact, not only with his skills on the field but also with his attitude and demeanor in the locker room.
Kelce praised Hopkins on his and his brother Jason Kelce’s popular podcast, “New Heights,” highlighting the positive energy that Hopkins has brought to the team. “It’s awesome, man. Having D-Hop in the building, having another vet… I call him ‘Swag Champs,'” Kelce revealed, discussing Hopkins’ influence following Kansas City’s latest victory over the Raiders. The nickname seemed to be a reflection of Hopkins’ confident presence and the impact he has on the team’s morale.
Kelce went on to describe how having a veteran like Hopkins on the team can change the entire atmosphere. “When you get a vet into the building, he juices everybody’s confidence up. He juices everybody—like the aura, and the fun that you have in the building. Just going to work, he’s just another guy that you can always rely on to show up and put in the work but enjoy what he’s doing,” Kelce said.
Hopkins’ infectious energy has clearly made an impression on Kelce and the rest of the squad, adding another layer of excitement as the team continues its successful season.
Despite only having two days to work with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and learn the Chiefs’ playbook, Hopkins suited up against the Las Vegas Raiders and made an immediate, albeit modest, contribution.
He recorded two catches for 29 yards, a performance that may not seem eye-popping on paper but speaks volumes about his adaptability and professionalism. Kelce, however, remains confident that Hopkins will continue to grow and thrive as he becomes more familiar with the Chiefs’ system.
“He’s such a professional, man,” Kelce said, praising Hopkins’ work ethic and football IQ. “He knows how to win football games. He knows how to be accountable. You don’t need to tell that guy much. He gets it. And he’s only made us better already.”
Hopkins has built a career on being a consistent and reliable target, and Kelce seems confident that the wide receiver will continue to make significant contributions to the Chiefs’ offense as he settles in.
The addition of Hopkins comes at a crucial time for Kansas City, as they look to maintain their unbeaten record. Hopkins, who is 32 years old, is coming off a productive season with the Titans, where he tallied 1,057 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Throughout his career, Hopkins has topped 1,000 receiving yards in seven different seasons, establishing himself as one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL. His veteran presence is expected to help fill the void left by the injured receivers and add a new dynamic to the Chiefs’ offense.
Meanwhile, Travis Kelce has also been finding his groove after a slow start to the season. Over the first three games, Kelce managed just eight receptions, a stark contrast to his usual production. However, since Rashee Rice’s knee injury in Week 4, Kelce has stepped up, recording 70 or more receiving yards in three of the last four games.
Last weekend, against the Raiders, Kelce also caught his first touchdown of the season, indicating that he is back in top form.
The Kansas City Chiefs are now focused on keeping their undefeated streak alive as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Monday night. With the addition of Hopkins and Kelce finding his stride, the Chiefs’ offense looks as formidable as ever.
Hopkins’ arrival has not only added depth to the roster but also brought a renewed sense of energy and optimism to a team that is already firing on all cylinders.
As the Chiefs continue their quest for a perfect season, fans are eager to see how Hopkins and Kelce will work together to elevate the offense.
With Travis Kelce’s endorsement and DeAndre Hopkins’ proven track record, the Chiefs are in a strong position to remain at the top of the league.
Whether it’s Kelce’s big plays or Hopkins’ veteran savvy, Kansas City looks ready to keep rolling, and their next matchup against the Buccaneers will be yet another opportunity to showcase their talent and chemistry.
