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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins honored a long-standing vow to his late father as he arrived at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX. Wearing a mink coat that once belonged to his father, Hopkins fulfilled a promise he had made years ago.
A Vow Kept: Wearing His Father’s Mink Coat
Hopkins had previously shared the significance of the coat during Super Bowl Opening Night, revealing that it was one of the few belongings his father left behind before his passing in 1992.
"My dad died in 1992, and he left me a couple of things. And one of the things he left me was a mink jacket," Hopkins explained.
"And so I always said I would wear that mink jacket to my wedding or to the Super Bowl, whichever one happened first. And so, obviously, I’m not married, so I'ma wear my daddy’s mink jacket.”
A Childhood Marked by Tragedy and Strength
Hopkins' father passed away in a car accident when he was an infant. His mother, Sabrina Greenlee, endured her own hardships, surviving a horrific acid attack in 2002 that left her blind and severely burned. Despite the trauma, she became a domestic violence advocate and shared her story in the 2024 memoir, Grant Me Vision: A Journey of Family, Faith, and Forgiveness.
Super Bowl with His Biggest Supporter by His Side
Greenlee joined her son in New Orleans for Super Bowl festivities throughout the week. She also hosted a brunch event focused on empowering women before celebrating her son's historic moment on football’s biggest stage.
"It means a lot to bring my mother to the Super Bowl," Hopkins said. "She comes to just about all my games anyway. But this one has a little more significance."
First Super Bowl Appearance in a 12-Year Career
At 32 years old, Hopkins is making his Super Bowl debut after an impressive 12-year career, which includes five Pro Bowl selections. The veteran wide receiver was traded to the Chiefs from the Tennessee Titans in October. His former team finished with a 3-14 record, tying for the worst record in the NFL and earning the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Ahead of the Super Bowl, Hopkins shared a heartfelt message on social media, offering hope to young kids facing adversity:
"To all the kids out there living in small towns, in small houses, with single parents. To the kids who see violence, who see loss, who don’t get the resources they deserve, but who still have big dreams—know that I was a kid in your exact shoes, and this week I’m playing in the Super Bowl. Don’t give up, work hard, keep believing. Where you start doesn’t determine where you end up."
A Moment Bigger Than Football
For Hopkins, Super Bowl LIX is not just about chasing a championship—it’s about honoring his roots, keeping a promise to his father, and proving that no matter where you come from, hard work and perseverance can lead to greatness.
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