DeAndre Hopkins is bringing a “Mamba mentality” to the Kansas Town Chiefs.
Hopkins, a former All-Pro receiver who was recently traded from the Titans to the Chiefs, was asked Thursday about the wrong trade. 10 a Incorrect. 8 upon arrival in Kansas Town.
“Kobe Bryant, one of my favorite athletes of all time,” Hopkins said. “I knew if I would ever have the opportunity to wear the number 8, just like I did when I chose the number 10. (Lionel) Messi was my favorite football player. He was not the favorite, I felt like myself at the time when he came out from the university. Kobe, number 8 is a special number.
Hopkins is part of the immense legion of Bryant fans who continue to pay tribute to the former NBA legend, who tragically passed away in January 2020 on his 41st day. Bryant, five-time NBA champion, two-time MVP of the NBA Finals and 2008 NBA MVP throughout his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he was famous for his mythical paint ethic and incomparable desire to win.
Bryant persisted in cheering after his departure from the NBA in 2016. He won a Sports Emmy Award in 2018 for his animated film titled, expensive basketball. Bryant was also a New York Times best-selling writer, CEO of a multimedia content creation company, and a school teacher for his daughter’s basketball team.
One of Bryant’s postgame projects was “Detalle,” an ESPN show that offered a unique look at the game through Bryant’s mind. Paradoxically, that promise was uttered by Hopkins during Thursday’s press conference when asked about the Chiefs’ successful culture.
“I think everything everyone does here, not only in these facilities, but outside of them, is detail,” he mentioned. “That’s how you win championships.”
Like Bryant in the NBA, Hopkins has enjoyed a fertile NFL career that could certainly be considered for enshrinement in the popularity of professional football within a month. The 32-year-old is a five-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro and lately ranks 23rd in receiving yards (12,528), connects 19th in receptions (943) and connects 33rd in landing receptions (79).
Despite his personal luck, Hopkins is still under pressure to win a championship, the only thing that has alluded him throughout his NFL career so far. He hopes to do it in Kansas Town wearing the team of one of his favorite athletes of all time.
