Thread by @JoePompliano

DeAndre Hopkins has become one of the most dominant players in the NFL.

The part you didn't know?

He's even better off-the-field.

This is the story of how @DeAndreHopkins overcame tragedy, accomplished his goals & is building an empire.

Time for a thread 👇👇👇

1) For those who don't already know, DeAndre Hopkins had a rough childhood.

DeAndre's dad died when he was a kid and his mom was left for dead after a domestic abuse incident — eventually leaving her blind.

The interesting part?

Rather than sulk, he used it as motivation.

2) As a single mother of 4 kids, DeAndre's mother worked multiple jobs to provide — often leading to her kids spending a lot of time outside.

"We would play tackle football in the middle of the street"

As they grew up, one thing became clear:

@DeAndreHopkins was "unstoppable."

3) By high school, DeAndre Hopkins had blossomed into a 5-star recruit — receiving offers from every major college football program in the country.

His choice?

Clemson University, where he dominated — compiling 3,000 yards & 27 TDs over just 3 years.

Next up, the NFL Draft.

4) Since being drafted by the Texans in the 1st round of the 2013 NFL Draft, @DeAndreHopkins has dominated.

— 3x First-Team All-Pro
— 5x Pro Bowl Selection
— 10,000 yards & 60 TDs

Despite All-Pro production, Hopkins' was traded to the Cardinals last year.

The result?

A payday

5) After being traded from the Texans to the Cardinals, DeAndre Hopkins signed a 2-year, $54.5M extension — making him the highest paid non-QB ever.

The best part?

Hopkins negotiated the contract himself, potentially saving between $545K-$1.6M in agent fees (Ex. 1-3%).

Legend.

6) Outside of his new NFL contract, which has more than $40 million in fully guaranteed money, @DeAndreHopkins has quietly been building a diverse investment portfolio.

Investments include:
— Beyond Meat
— Therabody
— BioSteel
— Real Estate

Let's run through 'em..

7) DeAndre Hopkins and other prominent athletes like Kyrie Irving and Shaq, invested in plant-based meat substitute company “Beyond Meat" in 2019.

Beyond Meat went public months later at $25 per share but now sits at $120.

In total, his investment is up ~400%.

8) After using their products for years, @DeAndreHopkins became an investor & endorser for Therabody.

Looking to become "the global leader in wellness technology," Therabody is looking to tap into the multi-billion-dollar recovery space.

Maria Sharapova is also an investor.

9) Just one week after announcing his deal with Therabody, DeAndre Hopkins signed a multi-year deal with sports drink company BioSteel — which also saw him come on board as an investor.

Another investor?

NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes.

10) Outside of equity deals with Beyond Meat & Therabody, @DeAndreHopkins also has an impressive real estate portfolio.

Hopkins' real estate company, Stim Real Estate Group, owns nearly two dozen housing properties throughout Texas.

Next up, he's expanding into LA & Arizona.

11) Through a combination of negotiating his own contract, equity investments, and his real estate portfolio, DeAndre Hopkins was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list this year.

His response?

"Equity deals only. Buy land, they're not making it anymore."

He's not wrong...

12) DeAndre Hopkins is the prime example of using determination, intelligence & persistence to create a successful life, regardless of your starting position.

From Section 8 housing to the boardroom, DeAndre Hopkins is winning — both on and off the field.

Now that's legendary.

13) If you enjoyed this thread, you should:

1. Follow me, I tweet cool sports business stories every day.

2. Subscribe to my free daily newsletter where I give a detailed analysis on topics involving the money and business behind sports.

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