DeAndre Hopkins' first career NFL touchdown was the Texans' game-winning score in overtime. Hopkins came up big for the Texans after Andre Johnson left late in the game following a hit by former-teammate Bernard Pollard. Hopkins caught two passes during the Texans' first and only possession in overtime, a 25-yard reception and the 3-yard touchdown catch to win the game.
"It was a great ball by (QB) Matt (Schaub)," Hopkins said of his game-winning catch. "He put it in the perfect position for me to go up and catch it. We practice that basically every day, the wide receivers. And practice makes perfect."
In Sunday's 30-24 over Tennessee, Hopkins finished with 7 catches for 117 yards and one touchdown.
"Anytime I see one-on-one, that' s wide receiver's dream," Hopkins said.
Hopkins' performance set a franchise record for the second-most yards receiving ever by a Texans rookie (the first was by Andre Johnson, 122 at Buffalo, 11/16/03) and tied for the second-most receptions by a rookie in franchise history. It was the most receptions by a Texans rookie since Johnson had a rookie record eight receptions against Jacksonville on September 28, 2003.
Hopkins'closest friends and family were in attendance at Reliant Stadium to witness first-hand his record-breaking game.
"I probably had about 16 people come from South Carolina," Hopkins said. "There was probably 10 of them who it was their first time flying."
Johnson, who headed for the locker room with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, had mentored the first-round receiver since his arrival in Houston. Hopkins strives to be even more prolific than the 11-year veteran.
"I feel like I can be better than Andre," Hopkins said. "That's my mindset. And that's what Andre tells me. (He says) Don't try to shadow yourself when you know you can be better."
