Could DeAndre Hopkins Someday Own an NFL Team?

Baltimore Ravens receiver DeAndre Hopkins is joining the ever-growing collection of athletes who have pursued investment opportunities while they are still active in their sport.

Hopkins has earned nearly $140 million in his 12 years in the NFL, but his latest endeavors attempt to make some of that money stretch far beyond his playing career.

In speaking to Front Office Sports, Hopkins explained how he's going back to school to learn financial literacy ahead of his many business plans.

“You don’t really have a lot of time, especially in-season. So, I’ve been dedicating more time in the offseason, taking classes at Clemson and being around the right people,” he said. “But I would say early in my career, it really didn’t dawn on me that you need to learn and educate yourself before you go out and just give your money away for investment.”

The 33-year-old has found the opportunity to mentor younger teammates who are interested in investing now that he has gotten his feet wet in multiple industries.

"Over the past couple of years, I've definitely hammered down just teaching myself and teaching other guys, as well. A lot of young guys in the NFL come and ask me about what I'm doing, and you know, I'm an open book."

Hopkins, who runs a music publishing company and has stake in the coconut water brand Zico, is hoping to expand his investment portfolio to eventually create a venture capital fund or a management group.

He believes that could then lead to a potential ownership role in an NFL front office.

"I've definitely looked at certain ownership groups in other sports, so why not the NFL?"

"I like competing," Hopkins added. "Of course, I would love to be in a front office somewhere, or help an organization win a championship."

Hopkins will help the Ravens in their championship pursuits this season after signing a one-year contract to reunite with his former teammate on the Tennessee Titans Derrick Henry.

Last season, Hopkins was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs where he appeared in 10 games, making six starts.