How Long Has Deandre Hopkins Been In The Nfl

So, you’re curious about DeAndre Hopkins and how long he’s been in the NFL. Have you ever watched him snatch a pass out of thin air and thought, “Wait, hasn’t this guy been doing this forever?” You’re not wrong. As of the 2024 season, DeAndre “Nuk” Hopkins has been in the NFL for 11 years—that’s over a decade of pure, sticky-fingered greatness.

From Clemson to the Big Leagues

He was drafted in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Think about that for a second—back then, people were still rocking flip phones, and fantasy football was just starting to take over our Sundays. Hopkins showed up as a rookie, and he didn’t waste any time proving he was special.

In his very first season, he hauled in 52 catches for 802 yards and two touchdowns. Not bad for a 21-year-old kid, right? But here’s the crazy part: he’s only gotten better with age, like a fine wine or a really expensive cheese.

The Prime Years: A Masterclass in Catching

Hopkins hit his prime around Year 4 or 5, and that’s when things got ridiculous. From 2015 to 2020, he averaged over 1,100 receiving yards per season. He made the Pro Bowl five times and was named First-Team All-Pro three times. Do you realize how hard that is?

It’s even more impressive when you consider the quarterbacks he’s caught passes from. He’s had everyone from Brian Hoyer to Tom Brady. Imagine being so good that it doesn’t matter who’s throwing the ball—you’re still going to catch it. That’s Nuk.

The Journeyman Phase (But Still Elite)

After a legendary run with the Texans, he moved to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 via a trade. That was a huge deal, like when your favorite band changes lead singers but still rocks. Then, last year, he landed with the Tennessee Titans and later the Kansas City Chiefs.

DeAndre Hopkins: Arizona Cardinals release wide receiver after three

Wait, did you catch that? He played for the Chiefs in 2023. Even at 31 years old, he was still catching passes from Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs. That’s 11 years of experience doing the same thing—only better than almost everyone else.

Why 11 Years Is a Big Deal in the NFL

Let’s put this in perspective. The average NFL career lasts about 3.3 years. Hopkins has outlasted that by nearly eight years. That’s like showing up to a 5K race and finishing a marathon instead. He’s seen three different commissioners, dozens of rule changes, and more helmet styles than you can count.

And here’s the wildest part: he’s still going. As of 2024, he’s signed with the New England Patriots. At 32 years old, he’s catching passes from Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. The dude doesn’t slow down—he just reloads.

Fun Comparisons to Keep You Hooked

Think of DeAndre Hopkins like a vintage sports car. He’s got a few dings from the road, but under the hood, he’s still a Ferrari. Or better yet, he’s like your favorite pair of jeans that somehow fit perfectly after a decade. He’s reliable, stylish, and always makes the play.

How DeAndre Hopkins joining the Ravens helps his fantasy stock

Compare him to other receivers from his draft class. Guys like Keenan Allen (also a legend) and Tavon Austin (remember him?) are still around, but Nuk is the only one with three First-Team All-Pro nods from that year. That’s elite company.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

As of mid-2024, Hopkins has over 12,000 receiving yards and 75+ touchdowns. That puts him in the top 20 all-time for receiving yards—ahead of Hall of Famers like Andre Reed and Tim Brown. Eleven years of that kind of production is no accident.

So, how long has DeAndre Hopkins been in the NFL? 11 years, 4 teams, and counting. And honestly, it feels like he’s been making defensive backs look silly for even longer. The question isn’t when he’ll stop—it’s how many more incredible catches he’ll leave us with before he does.

Go ahead, check out his highlights from 2013. Then watch a clip from last week. Time hasn’t touched his hands. They’re still made of glue.