DeAndre Hopkins reveals why he chose Titans over Patriots

Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly coached Hopkins for six seasons in Houston, one of which as his OC. That year, Hopkins caught 104 of his 150 targets for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns en route to his fourth Pro Bowl and third first-team All-Pro selection.

Vrabel also spent four seasons alongside Hopkins in Houston where he worked primarily with the Texans defense. Their bond, however, lasted long after each moved onto different teams, with Hopkins recalling Vrabel texting him after a game during his first season with the Arizona Cardinals to ask why de dropped a pass that he should have caught.

But the coaches aren’t the only ones Hopkins is close with. The 31-year-old receiver is friends with Titans running back Derrick Henry, who he, in not so many words, credited with recruiting him to Tennessee.

“Derrick (Henry) played a big factor in me coming here,” Hopkins said. “I always wanted to be part of an offense that had a great run game. I know that helps my job, I know it’s going to help his job having someone like me out there. Obviously, I played with Arian Foster, I played with some great running backs, but Derrick Henry is definitely by far one of the best running backs that I will have the chance to play with. … Derrick Henry being here played a very big part in me coming here.”