Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was among the team's key players who missed OTA practice Wednesday, joining rookie defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat as a member of the 11 who were not present at Saint Thomas Sports Park.

But his reasoning for not being there could hardly have been more perfect. Hopkins appeared at an On3 event to speak on a number of topics, including money management and what truly matters financially on an astronomical NFL salary.

It is not uncommon for players to see an uptick in spending at the NFL level with a large contract they did not previously have.

"If someone tells you that you have a budget and that you can spend a certain amount of money and that number is crazy… honestly, you don't need to spend more than what you are spending now. You don't need to go buy the craziest cars, the chain with the most diamonds in it, you don't need that."

Hopkins continued, counting the temptations that may exist in overspending and why players sometimes do it.

"I know it looks good. You think it's going to get you whatever girl, but you don't need it. Honestly, just try to stay true to what you are doing now and how you're living. It's going to be hard, because your teammates are going to have this car, you're going to want that car. He's going to be here, and you're going to want to be there."

The wideout elaborated on his experiences and those of others with financial advisors, and how living on a budget of less than some may imagine can be advantageous.

Titans WR @DeAndreHopkins to the Top 50 recruits in the nation at the On3 Elite Series:

"Whatever you do – do not try to compete with someone in the locker room or someone you look at that's got the biggest chain. Because that's gonna be your biggest downfall." pic.twitter.com/1TRU6CU2u7

— On3 (@On3sports) May 29, 2024

Hopkins finished out the 2023 season with 75 catches for 1,057 yards and 7 touchdowns. The veteran will look to continue being an important piece of the offense within the receiving corps in 2023.