Patriots players react to DeAndre Hopkins working with coaching staff

Posted by Admin July 24, 2026 NFL

As Robert Spillane finished his conditioning test on Friday, he spotted a familiar, but unexpected face, near the back of the practice field.

That was former Tennessee Titan teammate DeAndre Hopkins, who is working with the Patriots coaching staff the next few days to begin training camp as he searches for a post-playing career.

“I immediately ran over there and gave him a big hug,” Spillane said. “A potential Hall of Fame guy. A guy that played the game the right way. I’m sure he’ll do great as a coach.”

One of the best NFL receivers of this generation, Hopkins spent time with Mike Vrabel in Houston before joining the Titans in 2023. He went on to catch 75 passes for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns for Tennessee that season and spent six games with them in 2024 following Vrabel’s departure.

In between stops in Houston and Tennessee, Hopkins played three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, which led to a matchup against the Patriots in 2022.

“Unbelievable player. The expertise when it comes down to it is much respected for everyone in the DB role. So having him in the building means a lot,” captain Marcus Jones said. “[His] expertise of knowing what progression he is in the route. Guys that are veterans know if they’re the first progression or third progression. Also, having late hands was something he was really good at. His ball skills are impeccable too as well.”

Now in New England in a coaching role, Hopkins will spend his time with the offensive coaches — specifically assisting the wide receivers — and personnel department.

Patriots’ players on both sides of the ball are looking forward to working with him.

“Any time you have a valuable asset like that in the room is a blessing for everybody,” tight end Hunter Henry said. “Some guy that’s played at the highest level. One of the best receivers of the past decade, for sure. So much production, we could pick his brain on a lot of different things, and it’ll be cool to have a guy like that.”

“That’s a guy that whenever we have questions we can actually ask him and learn about the knowledge about how guys think about running routes and being a receiver,” Jones added.