DeAndre Hopkins, a Chiefs receiver, chose the No. 8 jersey in the Kansas City locker room, which already belonged to Justyn Ross, a 24-year-old receiver. This led to Ross being switched to No.82, causing fans to be angry. Hopkins chose the No. 8 jersey in honor of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who he considered one of his favorite athletes. This decision caused controversy among fans.
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DeAndre Hopkins, acquired by the Kansas City Chiefs in a shocking trade, will wear the No. 8 jersey on the Chiefs instead of the No. 10, which he has worn throughout his NFL career. Hopkins chose the No. 8 number in honor of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who he considers one of his favorite athletes. No. 10 is currently on the injured reserve list for running back Isiah Pacheco.
“Kobe Bryant, one of my favorite athletes of all time. So I knew if I ever got the chance to wear No. 8,” Hopkins shared his thoughts on picking No. 8 in Kansas City as per Essentially Sports. He also gave a little insight behind the number he had in Tennessee, “Just like when I picked No.10 Lionel Messi was my favorite soccer player, underdog. Felt like me at the time, coming out of college.”
He didn’t forget to thank the Titans after his trade deal to the Chiefs, “When I got the news, obviously. I was excited and ready to get to work. It means a lot. It takes your game to a different level. Your focus, your drive, knowing that you’re playing for something. It takes your game to a different level. I haven’t played meaningful football in a couple of years.”
Patrick Mahomes provided a sneak peek of the role of Hopkins this season, replacing Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown, but also snatched Justyn Ross' mid-season number. It might take fans some time getting used to Hopkins wearing a new number, but this one seems to have special meaning to him. Hopkins is expected to make his Chiefs debut on Sunday afternoon vs. the Las Vegas Raiders.
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