...
By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Linebacker Jerry Hopkins, a standout in the early days of the American Football League, died July 27. He was 85.
Hopkins' football career carried him from the Texas high school ranks to Texas A&M and three professional franchises before the AFL-NFL merger.
Read More on NFL
Born Jan. 24, 1941 in Chalk Bluff, Texas, Hopkins emerged as one of the state's top prep players at Mart High School, near Waco. He earned all-state honors as a guard, helped Mart capture a state co-championship, and forged a reputation that led to his induction into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
...
Hopkins continued his career at Texas A&M, where he played both center and linebacker under head coach Jim Myers. A team co-captain as a senior in 1962, Hopkins earned first-team All-Southwest Conference honors at center while leading the Aggies with three interceptions from his linebacker position.
Hopkins graduated with a degree in business administration before entering the professional ranks.
More news: Former Chargers Pro Bowler Dies
The Houston Oilers selected Hopkins in the fourth round of the 1963 AFL Draft, but he was released before the regular season. He signed with the Denver Broncos and spent the next four years with the franchise, appearing in 49 games from 1963-66.
Hopkins developed into one of Denver's most dependable defensive players. He started all but game in 1964, finished with a team-leading eight sacks and added two interceptions while shifting between middle and outside linebacker. During his Broncos tenure, he totaled three interceptions and established himself as a fixture in the club's defense during the AFL's formative years.
More news: Hall of Famer, Chiefs Super Bowl Defensive Back, Dies at 85
Hopkins joined the expansion Miami Dolphins in 1967, appearing in 13 games, before concluding his playing career with the Oakland Raiders in 1968. Hopkins played five games for the Raiders and recovered two fumbles in his final NFL/AFL season.
After football, Hopkins returned to Texas, where he owned and operated Hopkins Oil Company. He is survived by his wife, Joan, their two children, one grandchild, and one sister.
For more NFL news, visit Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines