DeAndre Hopkins visiting Patriots as he explores coaching career

FOXBOROUGH, Mass — A surprising person is in the building at the start of New England Patriots training camp.

On Friday, when speaking with reporters, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel revealed that DeAndre Hopkins, an all-Pro wide receiver, is considering a coaching career and is with the Patriots as he explores his potential career path.

“DeAndre Hopkins is here with us kind of in," Vrabel said. "Just to kind of check things out as far as what he wants to do as far as coaching, and you’ll see him on the field and whether that’s personnel. And so I use him as an example because he wasn’t the fastest receiver, but he had an unbelievable play style and a play strength and route craft that allowed him to succeed.”

Hopkins spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens, marking his 13th year in the league, where he finished with 22 receptions, 330 yards, and two touchdowns. Across his career, he earned five Pro Bowl and five All-Pro honors.

“Him and I talked, and he asked if he could come hang out for a couple days and be around the coaches and be around the personnel department,” Vrabel added. “And I called the league and made sure that that was going to be okay. And then I invited him back, and that’s where he’s been the last couple days, and he’ll be here for the next couple days.”

So, is there any chance he could switch back to the player side of things?

“Tried to say it as clearly as I could twice, and I can say for a third time, but he has got coaching gear on, and he is helping out the offensive coaches and meeting with our personnel guys,” Vrabel explained. “I mean, he loves football. People that love football and play the game for the length of time that he did once, I think, to explore the opportunities and what that looks like after his playing career is over.”

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: DeAndre Hopkins visiting Patriots as he explores coaching career