CONGRATULATIONS: DeAndre Hopkins on Texans’ Ring of Honor Possibility: “It Would Be Cool If…”

Houston, TX – One of the most electrifying players to ever don a Houston Texans uniform could be inching closer to immortality with the franchise. DeAndre Hopkins, the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who dazzled fans and haunted opposing defenses for years, has acknowledged the possibility of joining the Texans’ Ring of Honor — and he’s open to it.

Speaking to reporters after a recent charity event in Houston, the Tennessee Titans wide receiver was asked about his legacy with the Texans and whether he’d be interested in being enshrined in the team’s exclusive Ring of Honor someday. Hopkins responded with humility and nostalgia.

“It would be cool if that happened,” Hopkins said with a smile. “Houston was home for a long time. I gave everything I had when I was here. So, yeah, I’d be honored.”

A Storied Legacy in Houston

Hopkins was drafted by the Texans in the first round (27th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. Over the next seven seasons, he became a cornerstone of the franchise and one of the league’s most dominant wide receivers. Known for his spectacular catches, route-running precision, and fearlessness across the middle, Hopkins racked up 632 receptions, 8,602 receiving yards, and 54 touchdowns in a Texans uniform.

Alongside players like J.J. Watt and Andre Johnson, Hopkins helped define a golden era of Texans football — even if playoff success often eluded the team. His performances, especially during the turbulent quarterback carousel years, were nothing short of remarkable. He remained consistent and elite regardless of who was throwing him the football.

“DeAndre was a warrior,” former Texans head coach Bill O’Brien once said. “He played hurt, he played tough, and he always showed up when we needed him.”

Ironically, it was O’Brien who orchestrated the shocking trade that sent Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 — a move that many fans and analysts still view as one of the most baffling in recent NFL history.

Healing Time and Building Bridges

Although the trade strained relations between Hopkins and the organization, time seems to have softened the edges. While he hasn’t returned to NRG Stadium for any formal ceremonies, Hopkins has shown love for Houston and its fans multiple times on social media. The idea of bringing him back — not as a player, but as a legend — now feels not only possible but fitting.

Texans owner Cal McNair recently commented on Hopkins’ potential Ring of Honor induction in an interview with a local radio station: “We haven’t made any decisions yet, but DeAndre is definitely part of the conversation when we talk about honoring the greats. What he did for this team was historic.”

Currently, the Texans’ Ring of Honor features only one name: Andre Johnson, the Hall of Fame wide receiver and original face of the franchise. Adding Hopkins would not only make sense statistically but also symbolically — a torch passed from one legendary No. 10 to another.

Fan Support Grows

Texans fans have been vocal on social media platforms, advocating for Hopkins’ inclusion. Hashtags like #HopkinsROH and #BringBackNuk have trended locally, with fans reminiscing about his game-winning catches, his competitive fire, and his loyalty to Houston.

“He was the heart and soul of our offense,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “No way the Ring of Honor is complete without Nuk.”

Others have pointed out that if the Texans want to build a tradition of honoring their greats, there’s no better candidate than Hopkins — who, by all statistical measures, is among the top two receivers in franchise history.

What Comes Next?

While there has been no formal announcement from the Texans regarding future Ring of Honor inductees, the growing buzz around Hopkins is hard to ignore. As he continues his career with the Tennessee Titans, Hopkins remains productive, showing flashes of the brilliance that defined his prime.

Whether it happens next year, five years from now, or after retirement, Hopkins’ place in Texans history is already cemented. And if the Ring of Honor is indeed his next stop, the fans in Houston are ready to welcome him back — not as a rival, but as a legend.

“No matter where I go or where I play,” Hopkins said, “Houston will always be a part of me.”