Early years

Hoopes was an All-Star halfback at Benson High School (Arizona), which played in Class B football. He received a scholarship to play defensive back and punter at the University of Arizona, but he ended up concentrating on punting. In 1973 he was among college football's top punters with a 43.9 average (second in school history at the time).

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Hoopes was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the eight round of the 1975 NFL Draft, also known as the Dirty Dozen draft. That season Burton Lawless and him were the only rookies to earn starting jobs. As a rookie he averaged 39.4 yards per punt.

In the NFC Championship Game, he ran for a critical first down without informing head coach Tom Landry.

Playing in Super Bowl X with less than 12 minutes remaining, the Cowboys led 10-7 when Steelers backup running back Reggie Harrison broke through the middle of the offensive line and blocked the punt out of the end zone for a safety, cutting the lead to 10-9. The Steelers went on to win 21-17.

The next year with the arrival of Danny White who could play quarterback and punt, he was traded to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for an eight round draft choice in the 1977 NFL draft.

San Diego Chargers

Hoopes was released in mid season in 1976, after averaging 38.8 yards per punt.

Houston Oilers

The Houston Oilers signed him in 1976, but released him after one game, for averaging only 31 yards a punt.

Saint Louis Cardinals

Hoopes signed with the Saint Louis Cardinals but was waived on September 9, 1977.

Detroit Lions

He was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions in 1977, but was released after one game.

Philadelphia Eagles

In 1978, he signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles and became part of a revolving door at punter with Rick Engles, where he was signed three times during the season.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]