DeAndre Hopkins Assists New England Patriots Coaching Staff at Training Camp

Reunited with a familiar head coach, DeAndre Hopkins has traded his cleats for a clipboard—at least temporarily. The veteran wide receiver, who enters the summer as an unsigned free agent after playing his 13th NFL season in Baltimore, is spending time at New England Patriots training camp working alongside the offensive coaching staff and personnel department.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the unusual arrangement during his pre-camp press conference on Friday, explaining that the visit stems from conversations between the two during the offseason.

Vrabel noted that he checked in with league offices beforehand to ensure the arrangement would be permitted given Hopkins’ unsigned status.

A Deep-Rooted History Between Vrabel and Hopkins

The connection between the veteran wideout and the Patriots’ sideline boss spans more than a decade. The pair first crossed paths in Houston when Vrabel worked as an assistant for the Texans from 2014 through 2017 while Hopkins was establishing himself as one of the league’s premier pass-catchers. They reunited during the 2023 campaign in Tennessee during Vrabel’s final season as head coach of the Titans.

Now operating in Foxboro, Hopkins is taking a close look at life after his playing days conclude. While he stated in an interview last month that he feels he has a lot of ball left and still hopes to play for a contender, Vrabel emphasized that the 34-year-old is not in New England to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster.

“He has got coaching gear on, and he is helping out the offensive coaches and meeting with our personnel guys. I mean, he loves football. People that love football and have played the game for the length of time that he did [want] to, I think, explore the opportunities and what that looks like after his playing career is over.”

Mike Vrabel, Patriots Head Coach, via NFL.com

Over a 13-year career that started as a first-round draft pick out of Clemson in 2013, Hopkins has racked up 1,046 receptions for 13,770 yards and 87 touchdowns across stints with the Texans, Cardinals, Titans, Chiefs, and Ravens. He is a five-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro selection. Last season in Baltimore, he appeared in all 17 games, recording 22 catches for 330 yards and two scores.

Teammates Welcome the Future Hall of Famer to Foxboro

Locker room leaders expressed immediate enthusiasm upon seeing the longtime receiver back at the facility, even if he was carrying a playbook instead of running routes. Tight end Hunter Henry noted that having access to such an experienced mind is a major benefit for New England’s offensive unit.

“Any time you have a valuable asset like that in the room is a blessing for everybody. One of the best receivers of the past decade, for sure. We could pick his brain on a lot of things, and it’ll be cool to have a guy like that.”

Hunter Henry, Patriots Tight End, via The Boston Globe

Linebacker Robert Spillane echoed that sentiment, sharing that he sprinted over to greet his former peer the moment he spotted him on the practice fields during the team’s conditioning test.

“I just saw him out there for the first time during the run test, immediately ran over there and gave him a big hug. Obviously, (he’s) a potential Hall of Fame guy, a guy that has played the game the right way, and I’m sure he’ll do great as a coach.”

Robert Spillane, Patriots Linebacker, via Boston Herald

Roster Landscape and Training Camp Realities

While Hopkins evaluates his coaching potential on the sidelines, New England’s actual wide receiver room is preparing for the upcoming season under assistant coach Pats Pulpit. The position group features high-profile offseason additions A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs alongside returning veterans Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams.

For now, however, the unusual sight of a three-time first-team All-Pro receiver wearing a coach’s headset remains the primary talking point in Foxboro as Hopkins weighs his next chapter.