It’s no secret Matthew Judon is the Patriots’ biggest recruiter. Ever since signing with New England in 2021, Judon has regularly used social media to try and convince other free agents to join the team.

The four-time Pro Bowler has continued that campaign with the biggest free agent currently on the market – wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Judon began posting about Hopkins back in early March, including a late night tweet ‘breaking’ the news that Hopkins would be signing with the Patriots.

• Judon’s latest pitch is much more direct, and could help more than just the Patriots. It also started with a Patriots fan.

  On Saturday night, a Twitter user with the name Mike Brimecombe shared a screenshot of a direct message to Hopkins on the app tagging Judon with the caption “I’m trying bro.” The message reads “I will donate $500 to the charity of your choice if you sign with N.E. (sic).”

• @man_dammn I’m trying bro pic.twitter.com/Afkj7ZR8sy

  — Mike Brimecombe (@brimecombe25) June 10, 2023

• Less than three hours later, Judon jumped on board.

  “I’ll match,” he tweeted, tagging Hopkins.

• I’ll match @DeAndreHopkins https://t.co/eIP57Q1okv

  — Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) June 11, 2023

• Over the next 24 hours the trend blew up. Not only were more Patriots fans jumping on board, but players as well. Both current Patriots linebacker Mack Wilson and former Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount – who has been in attendance for some of the Patriots’ OTA practices – pledged to match as well.

• Me three @DeAndreHopkins 😬 https://t.co/EGNAAX2Slq

  — MWS (@MackWilSr) June 11, 2023

• I’ll match that as well @man_dammn @DeAndreHopkins https://t.co/y35pzQ1dDM

  — LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) June 11, 2023

• As of Sunday night, Hopkins is yet to respond. He reportedly met with the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, and has a meeting with the Patriots coming up this week.

  Hopkins has been involved with multiple charities over the course of his career. Since getting into the NFL he’s worked with S.M.O.O.T.H, an organization launched by his mom, Sabrina Greenlee, to help survivors of domestic violence. He’s also done work with the Boys & Girls Club of America, Houston Children’s Charity, AVDA-Aid, and We Run As One.

  Judon isn’t the only Patriot recruiting Hopkins right now. After one of last week’s OTA practices, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne shared his message for Hopkins.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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