DeAndre Hopkins is changing jersey numbers for the first time in his NFL career, and the star wide receiver is using the opportunity to honor an NBA legend.
Hopkins was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this week. The five-time Pro Bowl wideout previously wore No. 10 with the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans. Isiah Pacheco currently wears No. 10 in Kansas City, so Hopkins is making a change.
On Thursday, Hopkins told reporters he has chosen No. 8 in honor of Kobe Bryant.
“Kobe Bryant, one of my favorite athletes of all time,” Hopkins said. “I knew if I ever got the chance to wear No. 8 … just like when I picked No. 10, (Lionel) Messi was my favorite soccer player underdog. Felt like me at the time coming out of college. You know, Kobe, No. 8’s a special number.”
DeAndre Hopkins says that he'll wear number 8 to honor Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/8Wa5P6mGPP
— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) October 24, 2024
Hopkins is not the first star athlete to honor Bryant with a jersey number switch since Kobe died in a tragic helicopter crash more than four year ago. The fact that an NFL player is paying tribute to Kobe shows how much the Los Angeles Lakers star’s legacy transcends the sports world.
Though he only began practicing with the Chiefs on Thursday, it sounds like Hopkins has a good chance to suit up for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
