DeAndre Hopkins, the star wide receiver who recently parted ways with the Arizona Cardinals, has been around the NFL block for a while now. Although, when it comes to off-field activities, Hopkins finds himself vulnerable with trouble always finding his way. Nearly a decade before parting ways with the Cardinals, Hopkins found himself at the center of an accusation that involved the utter destruction of his hotel room at the Crowne Plaza during the 2013 NFL Combine.
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Hopkins has had his fair share of controversies throughout his career. However, the hotel room incident dates back to 2013, a time when he hadn’t even graced the NFL stage. Although DeAndre refuted the accusations, the incident left a mark on his reputation that continues to linger.
DeAndre Hopkins: The Hotel Room Controversy Unveiled
The hotel room incident involving DeAndre Hopkins and Mark Harrison had spread like fire in the NFL community. Witnesses and reports shed light on the deplorable state of the room they shared at the Crowne Plaza during the NFL Combine. According to ESPN, the room Hopkins and Harrison occupied was in a horrible condition. Urine and feces were found scattered in the bathroom, toothpaste rubbed on the mirror and partially eaten food left on one of the beds. Claims were made that neither player made any attempt to clean up the mess.
“@AdamSchefter: Trashed hotel room at combine belonged to Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins and Rutgers WR Mark Harrison” pic.twitter.com/D80iMkJtnr
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 18, 2013
Despite all this, both players denied any involvement in the destruction of the room. Ed Wasielewski, Harrison’s agent stated, “My client completely denies having anything to do with the hotel incident.” On the other hand, Hopkins’ agent, Hadley Engelhard, stated, “He had as much to do with anything in that room as you did.”
Hopkins later said, “My agent got my flight booked early. He told me hurry up.” According to Hopkins, he learned about the trashed room and its disgusting state the following day from Engelhard.
You mean “don’t look up if you go into deandre hopkins’ hotel room” pic.twitter.com/tR3WKaP6KM
— Derk Perscert (@DerkPerscert) December 13, 2022
DeAndre Hopkins covered an Indianapolis hotel room in his own feces, but a scientifically tested vaccine is where he draws the line… Interesting
— Ryan Football Team (@armyhalfday) July 23, 2021
Although this controversy could have hindered Hopkins’ chances of entering the NFL, his undeniable talent compelled the Houston Texans to overlook the hotel incident and they ended roping him into their unit. Needless to say, Hopkins’ addition did turn out to be a move in the right direction for the team, and for the WR himself, who currently is in search of a home in the league.
Top Landing Spots for DeAndre Hopkins After Being Released from Arizona Cardinals
As one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers hits the free-agent market, speculations are running wild about where DeAndre will land next. After the surprising move by the Arizona Cardinals to release him, Hopkins is now available to sign with any team. Let’s explore the top five potential landing spots for the dynamic playmaker.
“Let’s live in the world where he wants to play with an elite level QB, I would say the two would be Baltimore and Philadelphia.”
– Dan Orlovsky on DeAndre Hopkins potential landing spots pic.twitter.com/W6f1trMjtJ
— Word On The Birds (@WordOnTheBirds) June 13, 2023
- Buffalo Bills: Hopkins has expressed his interest in catching passes from Josh Allen. If everything goes well, the Bills might eventually offer him a deal.
- Detroit Lions: The Lions could benefit from adding Hopkins to their receiving corps. With Jameson Williams sidelined for the first six games, Hopkins would alleviate pressure on the team’s wideouts and provide valuable support upon Williams’ return.
- Dallas Cowboys: Joining a star-studded receiving unit that already includes CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks would make the Cowboys’ offense go off the charts. Moreover, Hopkins’ addition would alleviate the burden on Michael Gallup as the team’s third receiver.
- Philadelphia Eagles: The defending NFC Champs offer a natural fit for Hopkins. Becoming part of a talented wide receiver group with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith would give the Eagles an explosive offensive arsenal.
- New York Jets: While quarterback Aaron Rodgers may not be a young signal-caller, his championship pedigree and MVP credentials make him an attractive option for Hopkins.
As the 2023 season gears up, every team will have an eye on the developments regarding DeAndre Hopkins’ contract and where the WR eventually lands.