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Former Titans WR Calls Out Refs After Super Bowl

Two former Tennessee Titans star receivers faced off in Super Bowl LIX, but only one walked away happy.
Zach Dimmitt|
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) catches a pass against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Oren Burks (42) in the third quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) catches a pass against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Oren Burks (42) in the third quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Former Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins nearly went from worst to first in the same season, but fell just short of his first-career ring after a 40-22 loss for the Kansas City Chiefs at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

When the Titans traded Hopkins to Kansas City in October, the veteran immediately had eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy, but things hardly went as planned Sunday in New Orleans. The Chiefs were dominated by Philadelphia from the jump, trailing 34-0 late in the third quarter.

After the game, Hopkins voiced some frustrations with the officials while also addressing the narrative that Kansas City's success is typically paired with favorable officiating.

“It’s my first year being with the Chiefs, and I saw a lot of things in the media about the refs, but ... what y’all gonna say now about the refs and us when there was a lot of touchy calls?" Hopkins said. "Are y’all gonna report that? Are y’all gonna talk about the refs now?”

Whether or not Hopkins has a point, it mattered little in a game where the Eagles dominated. There was a few flag-happy moments, but the result of the game was never in doubt for nearly the entire second half.

At the end of the first half when the Chiefs desperately needed some momentum down 24-0, Hopkins dropped a wide-open pass on 3rd and 11 where he had room to run. Instead, Kansas City punted it away and were unable to get any points right before the half.

It wasn't all bad for Hopkins. He finished the game with two catches for 18 yards and a seven-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. He also caught a two-point conversion.

After starting the season with the Titans, it's safe to say it's been a wild past few months for Hopkins. He'll now head into the offseason with a decision to make about his future.

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

Zach Dimmitt is the Deputy Editor for Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI. He also contributes as a writer for the On SI channels of the Oregon Ducks, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. He was previously the editor-in-chief of Buffalo Bills on SI, Philadelphia Eagles on SI and Seattle Seahawks on SI. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dimmitt received his Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He originally started with SI’s Fan Nation network in 2021, providing extensive coverage of the NFL and NBA along with college football and basketball. In that time, Dimmitt has published thousands of stories and has reached millions of people across multiple fan bases. You can follow him on X at @ZachDimmitt7

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