J.J. Watt supports DeAndre Hopkins’ holdout (Video)
By John Buhler
Houston Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt spoke with the media on Sunday, voicing his support for teammate DeAndre Hopkins in his holdout for a new deal.
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Though he is out for all of the Houston Texans’ 2016 NFL training camp practices and subsequent NFL preseason games after undergoing back surgery, star defensive end J.J. Watt spoke with the media Sunday, showing undeniable support of teammate wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins’ decision to hold out for a new contract.
Watt said he supports DeAndre Hopkins. As a player, he supports all players getting paid. #Texans pic.twitter.com/99b8LcDWL4
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) July 31, 2016
Watt was quoted as saying, “I believe that players should do what is best for them. I’m a player, so I’d advocate for players getting paid. If I was in the front office, I’m sure my answer would be different, but I’m a player and I know that career is short and if he feels that this is what he needs to do then, that’s what he feels he needs to do.”
Hopkins is the Texans’ best offensive player, coming off his first trip to the Pro Bowl in 2015 with over 100 receptions, 1,500 receiving yards, and 10 touchdown catches. However, given that Hopkins is still on his rookie deal after being drafted out of Clemson in 2013, he is not being paid like the top five wide receiver he is.
Hopkins will make just north of $1 million in 2016, but the going rate for wideouts of his caliber in the NFL is around $15 million. Texans general manager Rick Smith was recently given a four-year extension. Hopkins is obviously upset at not getting the money he feels he deserves. Watt seems to be totally okay with Hopkins’ logic in orchestrating a holdout in the early stages of 2016 NFL training camp.
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