DeAndre Hopkins has a new number with Kansas City Chiefs. Here’s why he chose it

When Chiefs receiver DeAndre Hopkins greeted new teammates in the locker room on Thursday morning, he did so while wearing a different jersey number than he’s used to.

Hopkins, following a trade to KC from the Tennessee Titans, will wear No. 8 for the Chiefs.

In his 12-year career — spanning three other teams — Hopkins previously had only worn No. 10. That numeral is taken on the Chiefs by running back Isiah Pacheco.

Hopkins explained to reporters Thursday why he’d chosen to go with No. 8 this time.

“Kobe Bryant, one of my favorite athletes of all time,” Hopkins said of the NBA great. “So I knew if I ever got the chance to wear No. 8 ... just like when I picked No. 10. (Lionel) Messi was my favorite soccer player, underdog. Felt like me at the time, coming out of college. Kobe is No. 8 — a special number.”

The move still required some maneuvering. Chiefs practice squad receiver Justyn Ross, who previously was No. 8, switched to 82.

KC officially announced the Hopkins trade — for a conditional draft pick — on Thursday. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he planned to play Hopkins on Sunday in his team’s road game against the Las Vegas Raiders.