DeAndre Hopkins, Jalen Ramsey featured in NFL Pro Bowl Verzuz battle

DeAndre Hopkins has faced Jalen Ramsey nine times spanning their NFL careers, but they go head-to-head Thursday night in a virtual setting for the first time.

The Arizona Cardinals wideout faces the Los Angeles Rams cornerback in a Verzuz battle at 6 p.m. MST that will stream across the NFL’s digital platforms, including YouTube.

Verzuz, an online series created by Swizz Beats and Timbaland, has grown in notoriety by featuring live, digital rap battles. This week heading into Sunday’s 2021 virtual Pro Bowl, it’s featured matchups between NFL players, highlighting the best of their play, their style and more.

Hopkins will go at Ramsey a night after teammate Budda Baker went head-to-head in a Verzuz battle against Seattle safety Jamal Adams.

Baker, wearing his shades to match host Deion Sanders, broke down a handful of his plays in between highlights of the more boastful Adams.

The session included film of Baker’s interception return against the Seattle Seahawks, a look at the safeties’ best pregame fits and commentary from each of the safeties’ friends.

.@BuddaBaker32 breaks down THAT PLAY. #NFLProBowlVerzuz pic.twitter.com/0m71pk2gYn

— NFL (@NFL) January 28, 2021

Jamal and Budda bringing the 🔥 #NFLProBowlVerzuz@Prez @BuddaBaker32 pic.twitter.com/oNfGXyHfvI

— NFL (@NFL) January 28, 2021

Prior to Baker’s and Adams’ showdown, pass-rushers Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and Cam Jordan of the New Orleans Saints went head-to-head.

This year’s celebration a week before the Super Bowl leads into a virtual Madden NFL 21 game that will feature four players on each of the NFC and AFC sides that will face off with the Pro Bowl’s digital rosters.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will be controlling the NFC squad for a quarter of the game that will stream digitally on Sunday.

Follow @AZSports