DeAndre Hopkins gets deserved game ball after Cardinals’ Week 1 win

Sep 14, 2020, 6:35 PM | Updated: 7:32 pm

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

(AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

BY ARIZONA SPORTS

I mean, who else?

Following the Arizona Cardinals’ 24-20 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, head coach Kliff Kingsbury addressed his team and then gave out the game ball.

Kingsbury focused on the effort by the Cardinals and the ability to bounce back from a few different situations in the game that didn’t go their way.

The game ball couldn’t go to anyone else but wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

"From the moment I walked in here, I felt something special about this team."#VictoryLap x @DeAndreHopkins pic.twitter.com/nYWmXDkBVn

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 14, 2020

Not only was it an impact performance in his debut for the organization, but Hopkins was also the best player on the field. He had a career-high 14 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown.

“From the moment I walked in this building man I felt something special about this team, I promise you,” he said. “I know we got what it takes to get what we want but it’s one day at a time. Let’s keep working.”

Hopkins and quarterback Kyler Murray spoke highly of each other after the game.

“I said it to friends, to family, to coaches, he just has that feel,” Murray said of Hopkins. “He’s obviously had a great career up until this point, he’s been great in college. He’s always been great and there’s a reason for that. He’s got a knack for being open and even when he’s not open he can catch anything.”

“Just seeing the work and how Kyler and this team worked,” Hopkins said. “I’ve been around a lot of great people and honestly Kyler works like it’s his last day on this earth.”

Hopkins’ day at the office was one of the best across the league in Week 1, and several joined together on Twitter to praise it.

The Murray-Hopkins combination is going to be crazy to watch this season! DeAndre Hopkins had 14 catches and 151 yards in their 24-20 victory over the 49ers.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 14, 2020