It might take some time for the Chiefs to fully implement DeAndre Hopkins into their offense, but the two sides have long seemed like a natural fit.
Hopkins looked like a player who needed a change of scenery after a quiet start to the season in the Titans' sluggish offense, while the Chiefs badly needed a veteran receiver with Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown out long-term. As Kansas City chases a three-peat -- and perhaps a perfect season -- expect to see plenty of the former All-Pro.
The biggest difference between the old Hopkins and the new Hopkins might be his jersey number. For the first time in his NFL career, Hopkins isn't wearing No. 10.
Here's a look at why Hopkins changed his jersey number to No. 8 after being traded to the Chiefs.
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Hopkins told reporters he chose to wear No. 8 as a tribute to late NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
"One of my favorite athletes of all time," Hopkins said. "So I knew if I ever got the chance to wear No. 8, just like when I picked No. 10, Messi was my favorite soccer player ... No. 8's a special number."
No. 10 is already worn by injured RB Isiah Pacheco, though there isn't any indication Hopkins asked Pacheco to hand over his number. In fact, Pacheco said in 2023 when the Chiefs were initially pursuing Hopkins that he would be willing to give up No. 10 to bring the former Texans star to Kansas City.
"I just know whatever it takes to get him here to be on the team, let's do it. Let's make it happen," Pacheco said at the time.
It doesn't appear that transaction was necessary though. Hopkins snagged No. 8 from WR Justyn Ross to honor Bryant, and Ross was willing to take No. 82 to make the switch work.
Chiefs fans are hoping No. 15 to No. 8 is a connection they see often as Kansas City coasts to the playoffs.
MORE: When will Isiah Pacheco return for the Chiefs?
Hopkins had worn No. 10 for his entire NFL career before joining the Chiefs. As the former All-Pro enters the latter stages of his career, he evidently saw this new opportunity as his best chance to honor another one of his favorite athletes.
Hopkins could have switched to No. 8 when he was traded to the Cardinals shortly after Bryant's tragic death in 2020, as there was no No. 8 on the team that season, but he chose to stay the course during the prime of his career.
As a college football player, Hopkins went a different route. He wore No. 6 at Clemson, emerging as one of the nation's best receivers with 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns in his junior season. Hopkins is now back in the single digits as he aims to win his first Super Bowl.
It's been a quiet year for Hopkins, by his standards, as he has only 202 yards and a touchdown through seven games after dealing with a knee injury during training camp.
The 32-year-old might not be the player he once was, but he's hoping to prove his lack of production was more about struggling to get back up to speed in a dismal passing offense. Now in a much better situation, Hopkins could see his role steadily expand in a thin Chiefs receiving corps.