July 25, 2026, 3:18 p.m. ET
DeAndre Hopkins isn’t on an NFL roster heading into training camp, but the former Clemson standout is still spending time around the game.
The veteran wide receiver has been with the New England Patriots during the opening days of training camp, not as a player, but as someone interested in learning the coaching side of the NFL. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that Hopkins reached out about observing the staff as he begins thinking about what life after football could look like.
“DeAndre Hopkins is here with us, just to kind of check things out as far as what he wants to do, as far as coaching. You’ll see him on the field,” Vrabel said.
Since Hopkins is still an unrestricted free agent and has not officially retired, Vrabel said he first received approval from the league before inviting the veteran receiver to spend time with the organization.
“[Hopkins] and I talked, and he asked if he could come hang out for a couple days and be around the coaches and be around the personnel department,” Vrabel said. “I called the league and made sure that that was gonna be OK. Then I invited him back, and that’s where he’s been the last couple days, and he’ll be here for the next couple days.”
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Hopkins has been wearing coaching gear during practices, assisting New England’s offensive coaches and sitting in with the personnel department. Vrabel emphasized that the five-time Pro Bowler is not trying out for a roster spot, but simply getting a firsthand look at another side of the league.
“He has got coaching gear on, and he is helping out the offensive coaches and meeting with our personnel guys,” Vrabel said. “He loves football. People that love football and have played the game for the length of time that he did, wants, I think, to explore the opportunities and what that looks like after his playing career is over.”
The opportunity reunites Hopkins with one of the coaches he knows best. Vrabel was on Houston’s coaching staff during Hopkins’ time with the Texans from 2014 through 2017, and the two later spent time together again with the Tennessee Titans after Hopkins signed there in 2023.
While Hopkins is exploring a possible future in coaching, he has not announced his retirement and remains available to sign with an NFL team. For now, though, he’s taking advantage of the chance to gain experience on the other side of the sidelines.
Hopkins spent the 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens, appearing in all 17 games and recording 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Over 13 NFL seasons, the former first-round pick has totaled 1,006 catches for 13,295 yards and 85 touchdowns while playing for the Texans, Cardinals, Titans, Chiefs and Ravens.
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