The Tennessee Titans suffered through a rough 2024 campaign. Not only was their 3-14 record bad, but the weight of the losses coupled with some roster moves made fans lose interest by the end of the season.
One of the biggest moves the team made was when they traded fan-favorite DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs before the trade deadline. The move not only signaled the direction of the season, but it also took care of one of their own.
The move to trade Hopkins was a difficult one for the franchise, but for Hopkins, it was the right move. He opened up about the season and the trade to the Chiefs during his press availability at the Super Bowl opening event.
DeAndre Hopkins explains why he took himself out of the #Titans game versus the Bills, why he requested a trade and why Ran Carthon obliged. Really appreciate his honesty here. pic.twitter.com/7A8vuAEW0q
— Nick Suss (@nicksuss) February 4, 2025
“I saw a lot of things in the media saying I got benched,” Hopkins said. “I let it go. But the next day I went up to Ran’s office and I said, ‘Man, I’m almost losing love for the game being in this situation.’ I could talk to Ran like that because he understands me.
“He says, ‘Man, I see it in your eyes. This isn’t the place where you might want to be.’ We had that tough conversation and then the next day I got traded to the Chiefs.”
Tennessee traded to the Chiefs in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Hampered by a knee injury for most of the season, he has not made his usual impact this season. In all, he has pulled in 42 passes for 448 yards and four touchdowns in 12 regular-season and playoff games with the Titans and Chiefs.
For Hopkins, a five-time All-Pro receiver, this is a dream come true and the first time he has had a chance to play in the Super Bowl. He understands the significance and has a lot of respect for the Titans and them giving him this opportunity.
“It meant a lot for the Titans to trade me to the Chiefs,” Hopkins said. “I thank (owner) Miss Amy (Adams Strunk) and Ran and his crew for allowing this to happen. Because without them, I wouldn’t be in this situation. I’ve got to give Nashville and Miss Amy a lot of thanks.”
While many Titans fans might be critical of the ownership, a move like this shows that they do care about the players and their futures. Trading Hopkins to the Chiefs was the right move for a great player and an even better person.