DeAndre Hopkins has started preparing for life after football without officially ending his NFL career.
The five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver has joined Georgia Tech’s coaching staff as an assistant wide receivers coach for the 2026 season. However, Hopkins quickly clarified that the move does not mean he has retired and remains available if an NFL opportunity emerges.
The 34-year-old remains an unrestricted free agent after spending the 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Hopkins signed a one-year, $5 million contract with Baltimore last offseason, joining an offense led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. His role was smaller than during the prime of his career, as he finished the regular season with 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games.
Baltimore did not re-sign him following the season, leaving Hopkins on the market.
His decision to join Georgia Tech initially created speculation that his playing career was over. Hopkins responded publicly by making clear that he has not retired from the NFL. His coaching role allows him to begin another stage of his football career while continuing to wait for interest from NFL teams.
Hopkins had already begun exploring coaching opportunities before accepting the Georgia Tech position.
He visited New England Patriots training camp in July and spent time around the team’s coaching staff while considering whether coaching could become part of his future.
His NFL résumé gives him considerable experience to pass along to younger receivers.
Hopkins has recorded 984 receptions for 12,695 yards and 85 touchdowns during a 13-year career that has included stops with the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs and Ravens. He has earned five Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors.
His most recent seasons have shown a decline from the dominant production that once made him one of football’s best receivers, but Hopkins is not ready to officially close the door.
He has moved into coaching.
He just has not finished playing yet.
