DeAndre Hopkins is the first notable no-show for the start of organized team activities (OTAs) — as the Arizona Cardinals are without their Pro Bowl wide receiver.
Hopkins has been embroiled in a cloudy future with the franchise — one that involved rumblings of him wanting out of Arizona and trade chatter. However, he remains with the franchise, just not for the start of OTAs. But is there a reason?
Hopkins Training Away From Cardinals in Canada
Hopkins revealed to I AM ATHLETE that he’s in Toronto not just for private workouts, but for “getting my body examined.”
“I did some research on the best people who work on the human body, and Toronto has amazing people,” Hopkins explained.
However, suspicion grew that Hopkins wore what originally appeared to be a Dallas Cowboys hat “at quick glance” from co-host Ashley Nicole Moss. But, the hat wasn’t the Cowboys logo, and Hopkins helped shoot down that rumor of him being interested in joining Dallas.
He did, however, unveil that he did hear of one potential trade front regarding the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills. However, “I didn’t have direct conversations with them.”
The show hosts Moss and Brandon Marshall then managed to get him to clear the air even more about his pending future with the Cardinals.
“I love Arizona. Working out in Arizona is amazing. A lot of people work out there because of the weather, and the living conditions are amazing. But Phoenix is home,” Hopkins said. “It’s where I have been the last three years. Working out there, there’s no emphasis other than that’s where I live. It’s not me going on a campaign. It’s just me working out.”
He then dove further in hearing his name being constantly brought up in trade chatter on the internet.
“I have no ego. This is a business, this is a professional sport. People have jobs to do. Obviously, there’s a new regime with new coaches and GMs. They come in and out every year. So for me, understanding and knowing the business, I can’t go into it with an ego,” Hopkins said.
“Hearing rumors of me being traded or shopped around, that does nothing for me as far as making me feel some type of way towards that team.”
Back on May 1, Hopkins also responded to rumors of his stance with the Cardinals.
“I see everybody telling me to stay. Who said I wanna go? Who said I wanted to leave? I’m out here working baby,” Hopkins said via his Instagram stories.
Hopkins Addresses Rumor of Playing With Lamar Jackson
Still, the thought of “D-Hop” playing elsewhere has been a widely debated discussion across NFL Twitter and for analysts and fans this offseason. That includes the rumored possibility of Hopkins playing with a newly-rich $260 million quarterback — which Hopkins also addressed.
“I love Lamar Jackson,” Hopkins began. “Lamar Jackson is one of my favorite athletes since I’ve been watching sports. I’ve been a fan of Lamar for a long time. I’d be lying to say if I didn’t say…it would be a honor [if my career allows me] to play with a great guy and great quarterback like Lamar.”
MORE: Kyler Murray Injury Update — Will the Cardinals QB Miss a Chunk of the 2023 Season?
He further explained how it’s common for wide receivers to want to play with a great QB in their careers. He currently has a first-round talent in Murray in the same facility, but where do things stand between the two?
“Kyler is a quarterback who loves the game, but he’s injured. Right now, I’m playing with Colt McCoy — who I love ––but who knows? Right now, I don’t currently have a Pro Bowl quarterback,” Hopkins said.
Hopkins outlined what he’s hoping to see moving forward in his NFL career.
“What I want is stable management upstairs, that’s something I haven’t really had the past couple years of my career coming from Houston and then to Arizona,” Hopkins said.
“A QB who loves the game, a QB who brings everybody on board with him, not just himself but everybody around him…and a great defense. A great defense wins championships.”