DeAndre Hopkins will wear Chiefs’ No. 8 jersey after trade; Inspired by Kobe Bryant | News, scores, highlights, statistics and rumors

Kansas City Chiefs fans now know what number they will wear when they order their DeAndre Hopkins jerseys.

Jesse Newell of Kansas City Star reported Thursday that the wide receiver will wear No. 8 for his new team. Hopkins told reporters that the pick was inspired by Kobe Bryant’s first number with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Chiefs acquired Hopkins in a trade from the Tennessee Titans and sent the AFC South team a conditional fifth-round draft pick that could become a fourth-round pick in return.

This is a change for Hopkins, who previously wore number 10 with the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals and Titans. However, running back Isiah Pacheco is already the Chiefs’ number 10.

Pete Grathoff of Kansas City Star noted that there was some speculation that Hopkins would sign with Kansas City ahead of the 2023 campaign, which raised questions about Pacheco’s No. 10.

“Knowing DeAndre Hopkins, he might not ask for the number,” Pacheco told reporters at the time. “Rookie, I just got a Super Bowl ring, you know what I’m saying? Willing to get another one with him. So for me, I know whatever it takes to get him here to be on the team, we’re going to do it.” Let’s make it happen.”

The running back doesn’t have to worry about giving up the number, as Hopkins will be number 8.

And the Chiefs offense will certainly be thrilled to have him there, as injuries have largely affected the group despite a 6-0 start to the season. Pacheco, as well as receivers Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Skyy Moore, are all dealing with injuries ahead of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

This means Hopkins will step into a significant role immediately and will be viewed as an option alongside Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy.

It’s a role he’s thrived in as a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team All-Pro selection with seven 1,000-yard-plus seasons under his belt. He may not be the same receiver he was in his prime now that he’s 32 years old and in his 12th season, but he should have plenty of opportunities for success with the defending champions.

If he does, he could have a chance to play in the Super Bowl for the first time in his career.