NASHVILLE – DeAndre Hopkins has played 10 seasons in the NFL at a high level.
With the Titans, heading into Year 11, he's as hungry as ever.
Hopkins made that clear on Tuesday at his introductory press conference at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park.
"The same drive I've always had, coming where I've come, coming from poverty, man," Hopkins said. "It's a drive that sticks with you no matter where you go in life, no matter what job you have."
Hopkins said he's ready to go in Tennessee, even if he will have to miss a few days early in camp for personal reasons. Titans coach Mike Vrabel said the veteran receiver informed him he'll need a little time this week before he signed with the team.
Hopkins said he's already met a number of his teammates, who have made him feel welcome.
"I feel great," Hopkins said. "A lot of these guys on the team have made me feel very comfortable, and embraced me. Having this be the third team I'm on, it's part of the game, it's part of the job. … You have to adjust, it's the game of football."
On Monday, the Titans officially signed Hopkins, who totaled 853 receptions for 11,298 yards and 71 touchdowns in his time with Houston (2013-19) and Arizona (2020-22).
During his career, Hopkins has earned five Pro Bowl selections (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) and produced four All-Pro seasons (first team 2017-19, second team 2020).
After speaking to TennesseeTitans.com on Monday (CLICK HERE for that story), Hopkins told a group of reporters why he ultimately picked Tennessee after weighing his options.
Hopkins also offered more praise for Vrabel, while also speaking about his familiarity with offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, another coach he spent time with in Houston while with the Texans.
"It's a competitive roster that Vrabel and Ran (Carthon) have built," Hopkins said. "And I wanted to be able to compete."
Since entering the NFL in 2013, Hopkins' reception total (853) leads the NFL. It is the fourth-highest total in NFL history in a player's first 10 seasons, trailing only Marvin Harrison (927), Brandon Marshall (882) and Torry Holt (869).
Hopkins plans to continue playing at a high level in Tennessee, while making players around him.
"My IQ, and the way I play the game, the pace I play the game," Hopkins said of the reasons to expect future success.
Hopkins said he's friends with running back Derrick Henry, and his presence also impacted his decision to sign with Tennessee, where he'll catch passes from quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
The Titans will be on the field for the first day of training camp on Wednesday.
