In last months with Tennessee Titans, DeAndre Hopkins was ‘almost losing love for this game’

DeAndre Hopkins, a name that has become synonymous with exceptional wide receiver play in the NFL, faced a turbulent final chapter with the Tennessee Titans in 2024. After years of dazzling performances with the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals, Hopkins found himself at a crossroads in his career, where, as he admitted in an emotional interview, he was “almost losing love for this game.” His experience with the Titans was a stark contrast to the high-flying performances that had defined his earlier years, but it also revealed much about the complexities of a player’s relationship with the game, especially when faced with adversity and change.

The Titans’ Struggles and Hopkins’ Arrival

When DeAndre Hopkins signed with the Tennessee Titans in the summer of 2024, it was seen as a significant move for both the team and the player. Hopkins, who had spent the previous seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, had seen his production dip due to a combination of injuries and an overall decline in the team’s performance. The Titans, in need of a proven veteran to help their offense and provide leadership to a young, developing squad, hoped that Hopkins could be the missing piece to their puzzle.

However, from the moment he stepped into Nashville, it was clear that things would not be as straightforward as either party had hoped. The Titans were a team in flux. They had an aging quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, a lackluster offensive line, and a defense that, despite being solid, couldn’t always compensate for the offense’s struggles. The Titans had made the playoffs just a year prior, but they were far from the juggernaut that they had been in 2019. Hopkins was brought in to provide the spark, the experience, and the clutch plays that would help them compete in a tough AFC South division.

But as the 2024 season wore on, things began to unravel. The Titans’ offense, despite having Hopkins as a weapon, remained inconsistent. Tannehill struggled with injuries, and his chemistry with Hopkins was never truly developed. The offensive line’s inability to protect the quarterback led to a strained offense, where Hopkins, despite his immense talent, couldn’t fully showcase his abilities.

Hopkins’ Frustrations

By mid-season, Hopkins’ frustrations were becoming evident. He was no longer the dominant force he had once been with the Texans and Cardinals. He was frequently double-teamed, and with the Titans’ passing game failing to click, he found himself more often than not on the receiving end of incomplete passes. The frustrations of not being able to make the impact he was accustomed to weighed heavily on him.

Hopkins had always been a player driven by excellence. His work ethic, passion, and drive had made him one of the best in the game. But in Tennessee, those qualities were being tested in ways he had never imagined. The constant struggle of trying to find rhythm with his new team, coupled with the aging roster around him, began to chip away at his love for the game.

In interviews, Hopkins was open about his struggles. “There were days I wondered if I still had it in me,” he confessed. “I’ve been in the game for so long, and when things aren’t working out, you start questioning why you’re doing this.” Hopkins went on to admit that the frustration wasn’t just on the field. Off the field, he found it difficult to motivate himself. The Titans, despite having some bright young talents, were a team in transition. The promise of competing for championships, something that had been a driving force for Hopkins throughout his career, seemed a distant dream in Tennessee.

The Physical Toll and Mental Strain

It wasn’t just the team’s struggles that wore on Hopkins. At 33, he was no longer the spry, explosive player that had dazzled fans in Houston. Injuries had begun to take a toll on his body. He had always been known for his incredible hands and ability to make acrobatic catches, but the wear and tear of over a decade in the league had affected his agility and speed. He was often dealing with nagging injuries that left him feeling physically drained.

The physical toll was compounded by the mental strain. Hopkins had always been a player who thrived on competition. But in Tennessee, with a young quarterback in Malik Willis, inconsistent offensive play, and the looming shadow of rebuilding, he began to feel isolated. The locker room, while filled with talent, lacked the cohesiveness and leadership that he had enjoyed in his previous stops. As the losses mounted, so too did the pressure to perform. Hopkins’ love for the game, something that had driven him throughout his career, was beginning to fade.

“I’ve always loved this game,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “But there comes a time when the joy starts to slip away. You start asking yourself, ‘Is this still worth it?’ You want to be a part of something that’s going to win, not just for yourself but for your teammates, for the fans. But when you’re stuck in a situation where you’re not seeing the results, it gets tough.”

A Changing Game

One of the most poignant aspects of Hopkins’ struggles in Tennessee was his realization that the game he had once loved was evolving, and not always in a direction that aligned with his own personal ambitions. The NFL had changed dramatically since his early days in Houston. The rise of mobile quarterbacks, spread offenses, and analytics had reshaped the way teams approached the game. Hopkins, known for his ability to dominate with precise route running and spectacular catches, found himself in a system that no longer prioritized his skill set in the way it once did.

While Hopkins had always been part of high-powered offenses, the Titans’ scheme was far more focused on the run game, particularly with star running back Derrick Henry. While this approach had led the Titans to success in the past, it wasn’t the type of offense that catered to Hopkins’ strengths as a wide receiver. The lack of balance in the offense only added to his frustrations.

“We’re running the ball a lot, and that’s great for Derrick, but that’s not me,” Hopkins admitted. “I came into the league to make plays in the air. But when you’re not throwing the ball as much, it’s hard to stay engaged.”

Finding His Love Again

Despite the struggles, there was a turning point for Hopkins toward the end of the season. As the Titans’ playoff hopes began to dwindle, Hopkins found himself reflecting on what he wanted out of the remainder of his career. While he had moments of doubt and frustration, he was still DeAndre Hopkins. He still had the ability to be one of the best wide receivers in the game. It wasn’t just about the victories or the stats—it was about the love for the game itself.

During the final few weeks of the season, Hopkins began to shift his perspective. Rather than focusing on the team’s failures, he concentrated on making an impact on a younger generation of players, especially the Titans’ wide receivers. He became more vocal in the locker room, offering advice and guidance. He also pushed himself physically, committing to getting back to peak form, knowing that his career was nearing its twilight.

“There’s a lot of young talent in this league, and I want to help them understand what it takes to get to the top,” Hopkins said. “If I can help one guy become better, then that’s worth it. I’ve always played for the love of the game, and sometimes you have to remind yourself of that.”

Moving Forward

As the season ended, DeAndre Hopkins made it clear that his future in the NFL was uncertain. The Titans were in rebuilding mode, and it was unclear whether they would continue with their current roster or make changes. Hopkins’ time in Tennessee had been challenging, but it also offered him new perspectives on what it meant to be an NFL player. It reminded him that the game was more than just about winning—it was about legacy, mentorship, and continuing to push yourself in the face of adversity.

His time with the Titans may not have been the fairy tale ending he had envisioned when he first signed with the team, but it was a chapter in his career that would leave an indelible mark on his legacy. The struggles he faced in Tennessee made him appreciate the game more than ever, and as he pondered his next steps, Hopkins knew that his love for football had been rekindled. Whether or not he played for another team or called it quits, one thing was certain—DeAndre Hopkins had rediscovered his passion for the game.