Patrick Mahomes to get Kobe Bryant inspired DeAndre Hopkins in quest for three-peat

New Kansas City Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins will don Kobe Bryant's No. 8 jersey while catching passes from Patrick Mahomes.

Patrick Mahomes to get Kobe Bryant inspired DeAndre Hopkins in quest for three-peat

DeAndre Hopkins selected No. 8 in honor of NBA legend Kobe Bryant (Image via Imago/X)

The Kansas City Chiefs have done it again. Trading for DeAndre Hopkins, still one of the best wide receivers in the NFL at age 32, to pair with Patrick Mahomes, that too for a fifth-round pick was a genius move. More importantly for the QB, his new wideout referenced Kobe Bryant in his first press conference, giving him a clue as to what could come.

The DeAndre Hopkins trade from the Tennessee Titans came as a blitz to many as Hopkins does not fit the description of a typical Chiefs wideout, even though they desperately needed one. But they went for him as he brings a certain variety to their passing game they have not had.

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That variety is not just in the form of his elite separation skills and glue-like hands. It is also about the mentality that he brings to the table. He gave a glimpse of it when speaking with reporters about his jersey number.

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Kobe Bryant, one of my favorite athletes of all time. So, if I knew I ever got a chance to wear No. 8. Just like when I picked No. 10, Messi was my favorite soccer player. Underdog felt like me at the time coming out of college. Kobe, No. 8 is a special number.

DeAndre Hopkins on wearing Kobe Bryant’s jersey number

If the twelve-year pro channels a tiny bit of Kobe Bryant‘s famed ‘Mamba mentality’, the Kansas City Chiefs could be looking at another Super Bowl showdown. As he is the first superstar player to come into the Chiefs, bringing with him a character that will bode well with his new colleagues. Hopkins will say goodbye to his No.10 jersey and will sport No.8 as a tribute to Bryant.

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Patrick Mahomes will get a different character in DeAndre Hopkins

The character the five-time All-Pro brings has some hint in his press conference speech. Even though he has been elite throughout his career, he has always had to prove his worth. That underdog mentality could serve Patrick Mahomes and his team well as they look to win a third consecutive Super Bowl.

Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City Chiefs will benefit from DeAndre Hopkins' 'Underdog' mentality
Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City Chiefs will benefit from DeAndre Hopkins’ ‘Underdog’ mentality (Image via Imago/X)

Winning one title brings a hangover, two may bring in ego. Bringing a player in who has not won one, and still wants to prove that he is the best out there, could be that push the team needs when the going gets tough. So far, the Chiefs have enjoyed an unbeaten run, but that could change in a jiffy. Hopkins’ mentality will come in handy then.

There is one more way DeAndre Hopkins will impact the team. He will draw so much attention alongside Travis Kelce, that rookie Xavier Worthy will finally get some room to breathe. That could help the rookie start to show why the team drafted him that high.

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Health permitting, the Kansas City Chiefs have done some shrewd business that will help them down the stretch. Not only was the price not too high, but they also had someone who could push them. DeAndre Hopkins is not a long-term solution but bringing that Mamba Mentality will help the team’s future.