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NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans are vying for Deandre Hopkins' services and any edge they can gain on their competition will be valuable. The biggest advantage of them all might be Hopkins' relationship with Titans head coach Mike Vrabel from their time together with the Houston Texans.

When Vrabel left Houston to join the Titans in 2018, Hopkins spoke with Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com and gave his thoughts on the hiring of Vrabel as Titans head coach. If Hopkins was speaking truthfully, it gives us a good window into his admiration for Vrabel.

"I had a lot of interaction with him. He's one of those guys you could talk to off the field, not just about football, but personal stuff," Hopkins explained. "Vrabel was good to me. It wasn't just a football relationship with him, it was a personal relationship. Guys could relate to him."

"He's a great guy. He's not just a good coach, but he's a good guy. He can relate to his players. The Titans are lucky to have him."

At this stage in Hopkins' career, you'd think having a coach who understands where he is at personally, not just football-wise, could make a big impact on what Hopkins decides to do with his playing future. If Hopkins thinks the Titans were lucky to snag Vrabel, would he feel lucky to get the chance to play for him? The Titans are hoping so.

Hopkins turned 31 years old just days ago and while rumors say Hopkins is more interested in the best financial offer, he may see the Titans as a chance to make money and get a crack at the championship. Something he thinks Vrabel to lead a team to.

"I think that was the best decision for the Titans organization. He's a winner, and he knows how to win championships, man. He has been part of an organization that has done it time and time again," Hopkins recounted. "With us, he did a great job. Last year we had a lot of injuries but guys still fought and played for him. I definitely think he's going to be a great head coach. I am excited for him, and happy for him and his family."

Time will tell if Hopkins ultimately chooses the Titans, but Mike Vrabel being the leader of this organization gives the Titans an edge no one else can match.

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