NASHVILLE – Receiver DeAndre Hopkins is committed to winning, and doing his part to help the Titans win in any way possible.
But the 11-year pro also made a commitment to his mother years ago, and he plans to follow through on that promise as well.
Hopkins is attending online, and virtual, classes at Clemson University after he recently re-enrolled in school as a student.
"It's important because I come from a family where not a lot of people graduated," Hopkins said on Friday. "My father died when I was six months (old), and when I went to school that is something I promised my mom. … I vowed that I'd make both of them proud, and graduate, and that's something I promised my mom that I would do, knowing that my father would want me to graduate college."
Hopkins left Clemson after the 2012 season to enter the NFL, and he was a first-round pick of the Houston Texans in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Recently, Hopkins decided to pick up where he left off.
Hopkins is working toward a degree in parks, recreation and tourism management.
"I always was interested in managing facilities," Hopkins said. "Before I came to Nashville, I always wanted to put on music festivals and country music festivals, growing up on country music. That was my interest, going into that degree."
Hopkins said his teacher is very understanding of his NFL schedule, so that helps.
A five-time Pro Bowler, Hopkins also has a pretty understanding NFL coach in Mike Vrabel.
Titans coaches and trainers are working with Hopkins as he does his best to recover from the ankle injury he suffered in the season opener at New Orleans.
Hopkins didn't practice on Friday after being limited in Thursday's practice. Hopkins was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
Hopkins didn't practice at all last week, but he ended up playing against the Chargers.
The Titans face the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday.
"I feel good," Hopkins said. "I feel good about everything going into this week. … Me being, as you guys say, an old veteran player, I am just taking some time to kind of get healthy all the way. I wouldn't say it's the same as last week. I would just say Vrabel, (I'm) just trusting in Vrabel's plan."
Hopkins said the plan is for him to make the trip to Cleveland.
His status for Sunday is to be determined. Hopkins is officially listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sunday's game.
In two games this season, Hopkins has 11 catches for 105 yards.
"I've played a lot of ball, and missed very few games," Hopkins said. "I'm just trusting the plan, and just be ready to go out when my number is called."
