The Houston Texans traded three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for All-Pro running back David Johnson on Monday.
The move ended Hopkins’ seven-year career with the AFC South club, and the former 2013 first-round pick from Clemson expressed to Mark Berman of Fox 26 his immediate feelings on the matter.
“I would like to say Houston helped create not just a football player, but a man,” said Hopkins. “Houston gave me opportunities in life that I would have never got in a lot of places to better myself. I want to thank the city of Houston for always supporting the organization, no matter what happened and supporting us players through the ups and downs.
“Houston, always know there will be love in my heart despite this situation. It’s a business and there’s nothing personal about it. I gave it all I had. I wouldn’t take anything back. I don’t regret anything that’s happened so far in my career being a Houston Texan.
“Now it’s a new chapter in my life I’m looking forward to and very excited to be part of the Arizona Cardinals. All of the Houston fans that loved DeAndre Hopkins, make sure they still support DeAndre Hopkins.”
Hopkins is moving on with a new chapter of his life that includes teaming up with last year’s rookie of the year in quarterback Kyler Murray and lining up opposite of Larry Fitzgerald, the most consistent receiver of the past 15 years. Adding Hopkins gives the young field general more weapons to play with in addition to his unique playmaking skills with his feet. Also with the Cardinals’ proximity to Los Angeles, Hopkins will have greater access the fashion and entertainment world.
The Texans will have receivers Will Fuller, Keke Coutee, Kenny Stills, DeAndre Carter, and Steven Mitchell on the roster as players who saw action with the team in 2019.
