Likely Hall-of-Fame wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins isn’t done with the NFL just yet. The veteran playmaker has competed for 13 seasons and has recently taken multiple coaching jobs this offseason. Despite many believing his move into coaching signals the end of his playing career, Hopkins set the record straight.
What Did DeAndre Hopkins Say About His Future Career Hopes?
Writing on X, Hopkins said, “Haven’t retired from the NFL … But if you’re a WR and you want to be great, come to @GeorgiaTechFB.”
It’s surprising to many, as Hopkins took not one, but two coaching jobs this offseason. Plus, at age 34 with declining production, no one would’ve been shocked if he called it quits.
During the New England Patriots’ training camp, Hopkins took an informal role with the team, with head coach Mike Vrabel saying, “He loves football. People that love football and have played the game for the length of time that he did [want] to, I think, explore the opportunities and what that looks like after his playing career is over.”
Most recently, he joined Georgia Tech as an assistant wide receivers coach, reuniting with his former offensive coordinator George Godsey.
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In 2025 for the Baltimore Ravens, Hopkins caught 22 balls for 330 yards and two touchdowns, finishing third on the team in receiving behind Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews.
Though Hopkins’ elite production has declined, he brings a strong veteran presence to any team and can help mentor an emerging receiving corps.
Young guys could learn plenty from Hopkins, as when he was in his prime from roughly 2015–2020, arguably no one in the league had better hands. For only being 6-foot-1, his catch radius and physicality were otherworldly.
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These skills have helped Hopkins accumulate 1,006 catches, 13,295 yards, and 85 touchdowns since being drafted 27th overall by the Houston Texans in the 2013 NFL Draft.
His best season would come shortly thereafter, according to PFN’s Wide Receiver Impact Metric, with an impact score of 90.6 in 2015, in which Hopkins brought in 111 balls for 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Now, in August, it’s not uncommon for a receiver like Hopkins to wait this late, or even into the season, to sign with a team.
However, based on his move to Georgia Tech, it’s unlikely that we’ll see Hopkins play in the NFL in 2026, but he could potentially make a return next year.
