DeAndre Hopkins officially landed in Charm City this week, and he wasted no time making himself right at home—starting by reclaiming his old, familiar jersey number. After a brief stint wearing No. 8 with the Kansas City Chiefs, a number clearly off-limits in Baltimore thanks to a certain MVP quarterback named Lamar Jackson, Hopkins has happily returned to wearing No. 10—the number he’s made famous across multiple NFL teams.
And honestly, Ravens flock, doesn’t it just feel right?
There are certain numbers in sports that become iconic thanks to the greatness of the players who wear them. Think Ray Lewis and his fierce No. 52, or Ed Reed, forever etched into Baltimore lore wearing No. 20. Hopkins, throughout his prolific career, has built a strong connection to the number 10 jersey—one he proudly wore with the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans.
With each stop, Hopkins solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous wide receivers, pairing incredible catch radius with elite route-running abilities. Texans fans fondly recall countless improbable sideline catches in traffic and the jaw-dropping Hail Mary grabs that seemed impossible to everyone but Hopkins. Cardinals fans still rave about the unforgettable “Hail Murray” touchdown from Kyler Murray to Hopkins against the Bills, perhaps one of the greatest catches in recent memory. Even Titans faithful remember Hopkins’ ability to extend drives, providing a reliable target in critical situations.
This well-documented history makes No. 10 far more than just a random digit. It’s part of Hopkins’ football DNA, a symbol of his remarkable consistency and on-field dominance.
You don’t have to be a numerologist to understand why No. 8 was out of the question for Hopkins in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson has already etched himself permanently into Ravens history, winning MVP honors and redefining the quarterback position while proudly wearing that number. Handing over Jackson’s iconic digit would have caused an instant meltdown on Baltimore social media—an unthinkable move in the passionate Ravens fanbase.
Jokes aside, there was never any doubt Hopkins would respectfully steer clear of Jackson’s jersey number. It was all smiles at the Ravens headquarters as Hopkins officially inked his deal, selected his old favorite No. 10, and immediately embraced the chance to play alongside one of the league’s brightest young stars. If there’s one thing Ravens fans love more than debating jersey numbers, it’s imagining the fireworks about to ignite between these two superstars.
Hopkins joining the Ravens represents a major statement from the Baltimore front office, clearly signaling an intent to compete at the highest level immediately. Baltimore’s offense, already explosive with the dynamic Jackson under center, gains a bonafide WR1 capable of attracting consistent double coverage. Hopkins’ arrival gives the Ravens the kind of big-time receiving threat they’ve desperately sought in recent years.
But beyond the raw talent, Hopkins brings invaluable experience to Baltimore. Having played with talented quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson, Kyler Murray, and Patrick Mahomes, Hopkins knows exactly what elite quarterback play looks and feels like. Now joining forces with Lamar Jackson, Hopkins not only brings elite-level performance but veteran leadership and mentorship for the young receivers on Baltimore’s roster like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
In Kansas City last season, Hopkins donned No. 8, putting up solid numbers despite battling some injury issues and adjusting to a new offensive scheme. Returning to his signature number is symbolic—a reset and fresh start for a motivated Hopkins ready to prove he’s still a top-tier NFL wide receiver.
Expect offensive coordinator Todd Monken to quickly integrate Hopkins as a central figure in Baltimore’s passing game. Hopkins’ reputation as a savvy route-runner and contested-catch specialist will force defensive coordinators across the AFC North to reassess how they handle the Ravens offense. Suddenly, with Hopkins drawing significant attention, Baltimore’s already lethal running attack led by J.K. Dobbins and Lamar Jackson himself gains extra room to breathe. Defensive schemes forced into tough decisions could open massive opportunities for other pass-catchers like tight end Mark Andrews and speedy deep-threat Odell Beckham Jr., making this offense even more versatile and unpredictable.
Ravens fans flooded social media the instant Hopkins’ jersey number was announced, sharing excitement, memes, and plenty of bold predictions about his arrival. Baltimore’s passionate fanbase is already imagining thrilling connections between Lamar Jackson and Hopkins at M&T Bank Stadium, picturing touchdowns scored and highlight reels born.
“Seeing DeAndre Hopkins in No. 10 again just feels right!” tweeted @RavensFlockFanatic, echoing the sentiments of many across Ravens Twitter.
Local sports talk radio lit up with calls, many fans excitedly predicting Hopkins would instantly elevate Baltimore’s Super Bowl chances. Popular fan forum threads debated everything from Hopkins’ projected fantasy football numbers to which AFC North rival would suffer the most from his arrival (early polling favors the Pittsburgh Steelers as prime candidates to lose sleep over this move).
Longtime Ravens season ticket holder Eric from Glen Burnie perhaps summed up fan sentiment best, calling into 105.7 The Fan to share, “Adding Hopkins is the final piece we’ve needed to really go toe-to-toe with anyone. Lamar, Andrews, Beckham, and now Hopkins—who’s stopping this offense?”
During his introductory press conference in Baltimore, Hopkins flashed his trademark smile, clearly thrilled about the next chapter of his NFL journey. “Wearing No. 10 again feels like I’m coming home,” Hopkins told reporters. “It’s where my NFL journey started, and coming full circle in Baltimore is something special. I can’t wait to get out there with Lamar and the rest of these guys and put on a show for this city.”
Ravens fans are undoubtedly ready to welcome Hopkins home with open arms, eager for him to become a beloved figure in purple and black.
With DeAndre Hopkins officially signed, sealed, and proudly wearing No. 10, Baltimore’s offseason just went from exciting to electric. Hopkins joins a Ravens squad hungry for a Super Bowl run, combining youthful talent, seasoned veterans, and proven superstars.
When the 2025 NFL season kicks off, all eyes will be on Baltimore, anticipating the fireworks about to unfold. Ravens fans have every reason to believe this upcoming season might just be one of the most exciting in franchise history.
After all, DeAndre Hopkins is home in No. 10—and it’s time for Baltimore football fans to buckle up and enjoy the ride.