Houston, TX – November 12, 2025
One of the NFL’s most respected veteran wide receivers — a former All-Pro multiple times and a key figure in Houston’s history — has publicly expressed his desire to return to the Houston Texans before hanging up his cleats for good.
The player in question? DeAndre Hopkins, who last played for the Baltimore Ravens and remains a free agent after his one-year deal expired. A cornerstone of the Texans from 2013-2019, where he became a three-time All-Pro and led the team in receiving for years, Hopkins says he still dreams of one last shot in Houston.
“Getting to wear the Battle Red again would be a dream before I retire,” Hopkins said in a recent interview. “There’s something about playing in Houston — the energy, the fans, the tradition. I’ve been fortunate to experience it once, and I’d love nothing more than to finish my career there.”
Hopkins’ connection with the Texans remains strong. During his prime years with the team, he posted elite numbers, earned praise for his route-running, contested catches, and leadership in the locker room. However, a trade in 2019 sent him to Arizona, and he went on to play for multiple teams since.
Now 33, Hopkins is healthy again and seeking a final opportunity to compete for a championship — and the Texans, who have built around C.J. Stroud but could use veteran depth at wide receiver to support Nico Collins and others, could be an ideal destination.
While Houston boasts young stars like Nico Collins and emerging talents, the team has occasionally lacked consistent veteran production and playoff composure in the receiver room. A presence like Hopkins — known for his reliable hands, route precision, and postseason experience — could be exactly what the Texans need heading into 2026.
“The Texans are always built to win now,” Hopkins added. “You see the roster, the history, the passion — that’s the standard every player dreams to be part of. If I get one more chance to help them chase a title, I’d take it in a heartbeat.”
At his best, Hopkins was one of the NFL’s most complete wide receivers — a career leader in contested catches with multiple 1,000-yard seasons and over 12,000 receiving yards. His leadership and playoff pedigree could prove invaluable to a Texans team looking to return to its contender identity.
With free agency heating up and Houston expected to pursue veteran depth this winter, fans across the city are already buzzing. And for DeAndre Hopkins, one final chapter in Battle Red would be more than a comeback — it would be coming home.
