NFL
We Know Cardinals Star DeAndre Hopkins Can Run, but Can He Walk the Runway?
DeAndre Hopkins is on his way to a monster season with the Arizona Cardinals, reminding NFL fans that the man can most definitely run pass patterns.
Next up for him is walking the runway.
The multi-talented wide receiver has signed a contract with a high-powered modeling agency, further expanding his reputation for conquering new worlds and expanding his brand.
DeAndre Hopkins is in charge of his football career
RELATED: Before Becoming an NFL Star, DeAndre Hopkins Was a Standout on the Basketball Court
Other than Tom Brady’s move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the contract statuses of Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes, there may not have been a hotter topic in the offseason than the trade of DeAndre Hopkins.
Houston Texans coach and GM Bill O’Brien, unable to come to an agreement with Hopkins on a contract extension that would deliver more up-front money to Hopkins, traded the wide receiver to the Arizona Cardinals for running back David Johnson. Even with a swap of draft picks that gave the Texans a slight upgrade, the deal was lopsided and contributed to O’Brien being fired last week following a winless start to the season.
Hopkins ended up getting his contract extension from the Cardinals, who were only too happy to give quarterback Kyler Murray another weapon. The way Hopkins went about it made the story even more fascinating.
Hopkins parted amicably with his agents earlier this year and handled the negotiations with the Cardinals himself. Besides landing more guaranteed money, he reportedly negotiated a no-trade clause, a voidable year, and a provision preventing Arizona from applying the franchise tag to him. Each is a bargaining chip that Hopkins, 28, can use when the time comes to negotiate what will probably be his last football contract. It confirmed that the man has a head for business.
On the field this fall, Hopkins has 45 catches for 528 cards and a pair of touchdowns. He’s on pace for 144 catches, which would be far beyond his high of 115 in seven seasons in Houston.
He labeled himself as the best-dressed man in sports
RELATED: DeAndre Hopkins Just Made the Arizona Cardinals His Permanent Home
At a muscular 6-foot-1 and 212 pounds, DeAndre Hopkins has the look of a pro athlete. Noted for good hands on the football field, he’s also created a reputation for sartorial splendor off it.
Having averaged 105 catches a year over the previous three seasons, Hopkins caught the attention of GQ a little more than a year ago. The magazine had him sit for photos and a wide-ranging interview.
A quote in which the former Clemson standout labeled himself the best wide receiver in the NFL resurfaced, but Hopkins had already moved on by then to a new self-anointed title.
“I’m the best-dressed player. S–t, I think in all of sports.”
DeAndre Hopkins
Sports Illustrated thought enough of Hopkins to list him among its 50 most-fashionable athletes the past two years.
DeAndre Hopkins has signed with a modeling agency
RELATED: DeAndre Hopkins Refuses to Say He Went to Clemson Because of the School’s Ties to Slavery
When you have the looks, the physique, and the wardrobe of DeAndre Hopkins, there’s only one logical move to make: Throw a modeling career onto your resume.
The Hollywood Reporter just revealed that Hopkins has signed with the high-powered IMG Models agency.
Noted sports agent Mark McCormack founded IMG Models in the mid-1980s. Among the models it has represented are Gisele Bundchen (i.e., Mrs. Tom Brady), Tyra Banks, and Kate Moss.
“I see this as an opportunity to build long-lasting relationships in the fashion world, expand my brand and to be known as more than a professional football player as I continue my pursuit in business, art, and philanthropy,” Hopkins said in a statement announcing the deal.