Eventually, money runs out, unless it’s invested wisely. Fairweather fans turn quickly, and internet trolls… Well… They’re never going away… If the Baltimore Ravens didn’t learn anything else last week, they learned (or were reminded of) the latter two lessons several times over, but they settled the ship some thanks to a convincing win in their home-opener.
DeAndre Hopkins was one of the stars. He was part of a balanced attack that saw seven different skill players haul in a reception off the arm of Lamar Jackson. He also hauled in his second TD of the season. As was the case in Week 1, this one should be among the catch-of-the-year candidates when we arrive at the end of what has already been a phenomenal regular season.
Incredible.@DeAndreHopkins with ANOTHER great catch in the end zone!!!! Tune in on CBS and @paramountplus. pic.twitter.com/MujbZ1ZAGl
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 14, 2025
Social media trolls were quoted as saying he’s washed. The eyeball test says nothing could be further from the truth. He was asked about the doubters during post-game interviews.
Ravens WR DeAndre Hopkins on if social media chatter motivates him:
“It doesn’t motivate me at all. What motivates me is my mom being blind, my father dying when I was six months [old]. Real things in life.” pic.twitter.com/XoUhRDMm9v
— Baltimore Banner Sports (@AllBannerSports) September 14, 2025
We often diminish these guys to being Fantasy football points and Madden NFL ratings. It can be said enough that these are real people. It’s hard not to respect Hopkins more after hearing this. But what else is new? He won his teammates over upon arrival, both the veterans and the youngsters. Do you see how the guys cheer and are picked up whenever he makes a big play?
DeAndre Hopkins is ‘him’, as they say. With this, he moves the respect meter again. He made highlight-reel receptions at practice during the spring and summer. Thankfully, he saved a few for in-game action.
Two targets… Two receptions and 64 yards receiving in the home opener… Two touchdowns… Both were a thing of beauty, but here’s something we don’t discuss as often as we should. The Ravens found another locker room leader. That, ladies and gentlemen, may prove to be the most important contribution that the man formerly known as ‘Nuke’ provides for a true contender that is hoping to earn a third Lombardi Trophy.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: DeAndre Hopkins shares what fuels him, and Ravens fans are all for it
