KANSAS CITY, Mo. – DeAndre Hopkins has had a successful career over the past 12 years, earning five Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors. He was also the NFL’s touchdown leader in 2017.

However, there’s one thing he hasn’t yet achieved: playing in a Super Bowl.

Now, the 32-year-old wide receiver will finally have the chance to take the field in his first Super Bowl as the Kansas City Chiefs go up against the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans for Super Bowl 59.

“I want to express my gratitude to the Chiefs organization for letting me be part of this incredible experience. It’s been a long road to get here,” Hopkins stated after the Chiefs’ narrow 32-29 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC championship game. “I’ve been in the league for 12 years now. The job isn’t finished yet, but reaching this point is truly a blessing.”

The Chiefs are the fourth team for Hopkins. He started with the Texans, who traded him to Arizona in exchange for running back David Johnson, a second-round pick, and a fourth-round pick for 2021. After playing three years for the Cardinals, he joined the Tennessee Titans in 2023.

Kansas City secured the veteran receiver in an October trade with the struggling Titans. While with the Chiefs, he has made 41 receptions for 437 yards and four touchdowns over 10 regular-season games.

Hopkins enjoyed his peak performance during his tenure with Houston and Arizona, boasting four consecutive seasons with over 1,100 receiving yards from 2017 to 2020. Despite this, he had never reached the AFC championship game, let alone a Super Bowl, until joining the Chiefs this season.

“It’s definitely been a challenging journey, especially with the teams I’ve been on. I hadn’t made the playoffs since the 2021 season,” Hopkins reflected. “I was traded for very little while I was in my prime, and it felt tough. I went to Arizona, we had some strong starts at times, but after moving to Tennessee, the results just weren’t there.”

Now, Hopkins is relishing the team’s accomplishments as he approaches his first Super Bowl.

“I’m thrilled for our guys,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said, acknowledging Hopkins and other new team members this season. “Seeing the joy on their faces and their competitive spirit has been outstanding.”

In the AFC championship game against Buffalo, Hopkins managed just one catch for 11 yards. Yet at this stage in his career, personal stats mean little to him. He has experienced significant individual achievements during his journey in the NFL. The Chiefs need him to step up whenever called upon as they pursue their historic third consecutive Super Bowl title.

“It requires everyone’s effort—every single teammate’s contribution. You witnessed that on Sunday. It’s about special teams, offense, and defense all playing their part,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remarked. “We’ve navigated the season on our terms, and I’m proud of the team.

“We haven’t reached our ultimate goal yet. The challenge against Philadelphia will be great. I’m excited for our team to prepare and put forth our best effort in New Orleans.”

Follow News Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon