The Texans’ DeAndre Hopkins invites young athletes to join him for a workout.

About 50 kids find way to Hermann Park for workout after invitation via social media

Sprinting up a steep hill at Hermann Park on Wednesday morning, Texans All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins offered encouragement to a group of youth athletes he assembled for an impromptu workout.

For Hopkins, it was about wanting to share his passion for exercise and fit living to provide an example of what a strong work ethic can accomplish.

“I’ve been coming out here working out on this hill since I’ve been in the NFL,” Hopkins said. “I thought it was time to open up the training methods to some of the kids who look up to me. They’re always asking me what I’m doing and how can I be a player. So, I wanted to show them what I do and I think it’s good for them.”

Hopkins sent out a message on social media Tuesday night inviting any young athletes that wanted to train with him.

“Social media, it’s the best thing since TV,” Hopkins said.

Roughly 50 kids showed up to work out under the sun with one of the top players in the NFL. They spent over an hour running hills with Hopkins. The workout included running, jumping, push-ups and sit-ups.

“This is kind of what I expected,” Hopkins said. “Houston has always showed me love. The city has been there to support me. I thought I would have a couple kids here. They’re athletes. They’re hungry. There’s not a lot of time for pictures. It’s work day.

“This is great. I’m trying to continue this and build and make it better. This turnout has been good.”

Jacobi Jackson, a wide receiver from Cypress Ridge who’s an incoming freshman at West Texas A&M, appreciated the chance to learn from Hopkins.

“It was great,” Jackson said. “He’s a receiver and I’m a receiver. I can relate to him. He told me it’s not all about speed and to work on my technique. It’s a blessing.”

Hopkins said he has been running hills for a long time, following the tradition of Jerry Rice.

“There are some bigger hills I go to,” he said. “I didn’t want to put the kids on that. They might have fell backwards.

“It’s great. They understand the importance of coming out and taking care of their bodies. You got to thank their parents for bringing them.”

Hopkins and the Texans report to training camp July 25 in West Virginia. They’re eager to turn things around after finishing 4-12 last season during a year marred by injuries.

“I feel great,” Hopkins said. “We’ve got a lot of guys that are hungry after last year’s record. I feel good about it.”