Kelce: Hopkins' start with Chiefs 'smoothest transition I've ever seen'

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is very impressed by what he's seen from DeAndre Hopkins since the wide receiver's arrival in Kansas City.

"It's the smoothest transition I've ever seen," Kelce said on his "New Heights" podcast, adding, "He understands how to mix that chemistry, he understands how to incorporate himself, and be himself in a new building. It's just been so f-----g cool just to have him."

Kelce continued: "It's given everybody kind of a juice and a morale of confidence, and I call them 'Swag Champs.' ... It showed on Monday night, man. We don't win that game without him."

Hopkins made his home debut on Monday Night Football and was crucial in Kansas City's victory, catching eight passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was his second appearance with the Chiefs, who acquired him in a trade from the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 23.

The 32-year-old played just 23 snaps and had two catches for 29 yards in his debut with the Super Bowl champions against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8.

The Chiefs are Hopkins' fourth team. He also played for the Houston Texans (2013-19), Arizona Cardinals (2020-22), and Titans (2023-24).

"We came in the same year, 2013 draft class," Kelce said of Hopkins, the 27th overall pick that year. "I've seen his success from a distance, but to see him come into the building and notice what kind of professional he is ... how he communicates in the building, how he talks ball, it's fun to have him around."

A five-time Pro Bowler, Hopkins fills a big need for the Chiefs, who've seen receivers Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown go down with long-term injuries.

Kelce and Hopkins are the only Kansas City players with at least 10 catches and 100 yards over the last two weeks combined.

The 8-0 Chiefs host the Denver Broncos in Week 10.