Wikipedia

Dustin Hopkins

Dustin Hopkins (born October 1, 1990) is an American professional football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida State and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2013.

Dustin Hopkins
refer to caption
Hopkins with the Washington Football Team in 2021
No. 7 – Cleveland Browns
Position:Placekicker
Personal information
Born: (1990-10-01) October 1, 1990 (age 34)
Austin, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school:Clear Lake (Houston, Texas)
College:Florida State (2009–2012)
NFL draft:2013 / round: 6 / pick: 177
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 13, 2024
Field goals made:239
Field goals attempted:283
Field goal %:84.4
Longest field goal:58
Touchbacks:482
Stats at Pro Football Reference

College career

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Hopkins was recruited by Florida State when then Seminoles special teams coordinator Jody Allen watched high school game film of Hopkins's kickoffs. Interest was also shown by Notre Dame.[1] As a freshman in 2009, Hopkins hit 19 of 27 field goals, or approximately 70%, over the course of 2009. On November 13, 2010, against Clemson, Florida State, who was trailing the entire game, made a comeback in the 4th quarter. With less than a minute left in regulation, tied at 13, Florida State marched down into Clemson territory, where, with 3 seconds left, Hopkins made a 55-yard field goal to win the game.

In 2011, while playing against Wake Forest, Hopkins kicked his 109th point after touchdown (PAT) in a row, breaking the previous FSU record. He would not miss a PAT until September 8, 2012, leaving him at 145 successful attempts, the sixth longest streak in NCAA history.[2] On November 18, 2012, Hopkins set the Football Bowl Subdivision record for career points scored by a kicker at 442 points with a 26-yard field goal in the second quarter versus the Maryland Terrapins. Hopkins would finish the day with six more points upping the record to 448 points.[3] His record for most career field goals was later broken in 2016 by Arizona State University kicker Zane Gonzalez.[4]

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 2 in
(1.88 m) 		193 lb
(88 kg) 		31+3⁄4 in
(0.81 m) 		8+7⁄8 in
(0.23 m)		 4.74 s 1.67 s 2.79 s 33.5 in
(0.85 m)		 9 ft 8 in
(2.95 m)
All values from NFL Combine[5][6]

Buffalo Bills

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Hopkins was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round with the 177th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, joining punter Shawn Powell and quarterback EJ Manuel, his former teammates at Florida State.[7]

On May 10, 2013, Hopkins signed a four-year contract with the Bills.[8]

On August 19, 2013, Hopkins was named the starting placekicker over veteran Rian Lindell.[9] On September 2, 2013, Hopkins was revealed to have sustained a groin injury. This prompted the Bills to sign Dan Carpenter. Due to a slow recovery from that injury and the need to further open roster spots, Hopkins was placed on injured reserve following Week 5.[10]

Hopkins was given a chance to earn back his roster spot during the 2014 season, but lost the kicking competition to Carpenter; the Bills released Hopkins on August 25, 2014.[11]

New Orleans Saints

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Hopkins was signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad on December 17, 2014.[12] He was then signed to a future/reserve contract at the end of the 2014 season and competed for placekicking duties with Shayne Graham.[13]

On September 5, 2015, the Saints announced they had released Hopkins after losing the competition to Zach Hocker.[14]

Washington Redskins / Football Team

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Hopkins and Marquette King in a game against the Oakland Raiders

Hopkins was signed by the Washington Redskins on September 14, 2015, after they had released Kai Forbath.[15] On October 14, 2018, Hopkins kicked a career-long 56-yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers.[16] On November 15, 2015, Hopkins kicked a career-high four field goals against the New Orleans Saints.[17] On October 30, 2016, Hopkins missed a potential game winner in the late stages of overtime which would eventually end in a 27–27 tie against the Cincinnati Bengals.[18] During the 2016 season, Hopkins set a franchise record with 34 field goals made.[19] On October 15, 2017, Hopkins suffered a partially torn hip muscle during a game against the San Francisco 49ers, and was placed on injured reserve days later.[20] He was activated back to the 53-man roster on December 16, 2017.[21]

On March 12, 2018, Hopkins signed a three-year contract extension with the Redskins.[22] On the 2018 season, Hopkins converted 25 of 26 extra point attempts and 26 of 29 field goal attempts.[23] In the 2019 season, Hopkins converted 21 of 22 extra point attempts and 25 of 30 field goal attempts.[24]

In Week 6 of the 2020 season, Hopkins missed a 47-yard field goal attempt against the New York Giants.[25] The Giants would win the game with the final score being 20-19 with Head Coach Ron Rivera choosing a two-point attempt instead of sending Hopkins to attempt the extra point and potentially bringing the game to overtime. The next week, Hopkins would miss a 44-yard field goal in the win over the Dallas Cowboys.[26] In the Week 10 loss to the Detroit Lions, Hopkins missed another field goal attempt at 43 yards with the final score of the game at 27–30.[27] After the game when asked if he was considering bringing in another kicker, Head Coach Ron Rivera stated “Well, it is something that we are talking about and discussing.”[28]

In Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hopkins was a perfect 3 for 3 on his field goal attempts and 2 for 2 on his extra point attempts during the 23–17 win. This was the Steelers’ first loss of the season. Hopkins was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Week 13.[29] He finished the 2020 season converting 30 of 32 extra point attempts and 27 of 34 field goal attempts.[30] He re-signed with the team in March 2021.[31]

On September 16, 2021, against the New York Giants, Hopkins kicked a game-winning field goal at the climax of the game as Washington won 30–29. At first, Hopkins missed, but the Giants defense committed an offside penalty, giving him a second chance, which succeeded.[32]

In Week 3 of the 2021 season against the Buffalo Bills, Hopkins recovered his own kickoff after the Bills failed to receive the kick, resulting in his first career fumble recovery.[33] Hopkins was released by the team on October 20, 2021.[34]

Los Angeles Chargers

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On October 26, 2021, Hopkins signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.[35] In the 2021 season, with two teams, he converted 40 of 44 extra point attempts and 30 of 34 field goal attempts.[36]

On March 14, 2022, Hopkins signed a three-year contract extension with the Chargers.[37]

In Week 6 of the 2022 season against the Denver Broncos, Hopkins injured his hamstring but still went 4-4 on field goals, including the game-winner in overtime.[38] For this performance, Hopkins was named the American Football Conference (AFC) Special Teams Player of the Week.[39] He missed the next four games with the injury before being placed on injured reserve on November 22, 2022.[40] In his five appearances, he converted all 12 extra points and nine of ten field goal attempts.[41]

Cleveland Browns

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On August 28, 2023, the Chargers traded Hopkins to the Cleveland Browns for a 2025 seventh-round pick after he lost his starting job to Cameron Dicker. Hopkins took over for the Browns 124th pick in 2022, Cade York, who was waived following preseason struggles.[42][43] Hopkins was named AFC Special Teams Player of the week on October 18, 2023, for kicking four field goals and an extra point in the Week 6 defeat of the 49ers.[44] On October 25, Hopkins was again named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the second consecutive week after his performance in the team's win against the Indianapolis Colts. Hopkins was 4/4 on field goal attempts and 3/3 on extra point attempts. 3/4 of Hopkins's field goals were from 53+ with one being a new career long of 58 yards.[45] Hopkins set a new Browns single season record of 31 made field goals after kicking a 55-yard field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 10, 2023. In that same game, Hopkins also set a new NFL record for five consecutive games with a field goal of 50 yards or more.[46]

On December 24, 2023, Hopkins injured his hamstring while attempting to tackle Dameon Pierce on a 98-yard kick return during the Browns’ 36–22 win over the Houston Texans. He would not return to the game and former Lions placekicker Riley Patterson would be signed to the Browns’ practice squad the following day.[47]

On July 15, 2024, Hopkins signed a three-year contract extension with the Browns.[48]

Personal life

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Hopkins is a Christian.[49] He is married to Gabrielle Hopkins. They have a son together, named Wake.[50]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Bold Career High

Regular season

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Year Team GP Field Goals Extra Points Points
FGA FGM Lng Pct XPA XPM Pct
2015 WAS 15 28 25 54 89.3 40 39 97.5 114
2016 WAS 16 42 34 53 81.0 39 36 92.3 138
2017 WAS 8 17 14 49 82.4 19 18 94.7 60
2018 WAS 16 29 26 56 89.7 26 25 96.2 103
2019 WAS 16 30 25 53 83.3 22 21 95.5 96
2020 WAS 16 34 27 51 79.4 32 30 93.8 111
2021 WAS 6 14 12 50 85.7 12 10 83.3 46
LAC 11 20 18 50 90.0 32 30 93.8 84
2022 LAC 5 10 9 43 90.0 12 12 100.0 39
2023 CLE 15 36 33 58 91.7 26 24 92.3 123
Career 124 260 223 58 85.8 260 245 94.2 914

Postseason

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Year Team GP Field Goals Extra Points Points
FGA FGM Lng Pct XPA XPM Pct
2015 WAS 1 1 1 25 100.0 2 1 50.0 4
2020 WAS 1 1 1 36 100.0 2 2 100.0 5
2022 LAC 0 0 did not play due to injury
2023 CLE 0 0 did not play due to injury
Career 2 2 2 36 100.0 4 3 75.0 9

References

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  1. ^ Florida State kicker Dustin Hopkins draws praise, but accuracy is off. The Miami Herald website, posted on February 10, 2009. Accessed on October 10, 2009.
  2. ^ "Florida State Team Notes". Usatoday.com. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  3. ^ "No. 10 Florida State beats Maryland 41-14 - Yahoo Sports". Sports.yahoo.com. November 17, 2012. Archived from the original on August 24, 2017. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  4. ^ Bonagura, Kyle (October 9, 2016). "ASU K Gonzalez sets new NCAA field goal mark". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  5. ^ "Dustin Hopkins Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
  6. ^ "Dustin Hopkins, Florida State, K, 2013 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". DraftScout.com. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
  7. ^ "2013 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  8. ^ "Bills sign Marquise Goodwin, Dustin Hopkins, two other draft picks". NBC Sports. May 10, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  9. ^ Brown, Chris. "Dustin Hopkins excited about job, grateful to Lindell". Buffalo Bills. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  10. ^ Galliford, Brian (October 7, 2013). "K Hopkins placed on IR". Buffalo Rumblings. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  11. ^ Brown, Chris (August 25, 2014). "Bills reduce roster to required 75". Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on August 30, 2014. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  12. ^ Woodbery, Evan (December 18, 2014). "New Orleans Saints add kicker Dustin Hopkins to practice squad". NOLA.com. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  13. ^ Terrell, Katherine (September 5, 2015). "New Orleans Saints roster tracker: Live updates as the Saints reduce their roster to 53 players". NOLA.com. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  14. ^ Triplett, Mike (September 5, 2015). "New Orleans Saints cut 22 players, including Stanley Jean-Baptiste". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  15. ^ Jones, Mike (September 14, 2015). "Redskins cut Kai Forbath, sign former Saints place kicker Dustin Hopkins". Washington Post. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  16. ^ "Redskins vs. Panthers - Box Score - October 14, 2018 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  17. ^ "Saints vs. Redskins - Box Score - November 15, 2015 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  18. ^ Burke, Chris (October 30, 2016). "Redskins are the latest team fit to be tied after Jay Gruden plays it too safe". SI.com. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
  19. ^ "Washington Redskins Single-Season Kicking & Punting Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  20. ^ Bergman, Jeremy (October 17, 2017). "Redskins sign kicker Nick Rose to replace Hopkins". NFL.com. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
  21. ^ Czarda, Stephen (December 16, 2017). "Redskins Activate Kicker Dustin Hopkins". Redskins.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017.
  22. ^ Czarda, Stephen (March 12, 2018). "Redskins Re-Sign Kicker Dustin Hopkins". Redskins.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  23. ^ "Dustin Hopkins 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  24. ^ "Dustin Hopkins 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  25. ^ Boykin, Nick (October 18, 2020). "Gutsy 2-point conversion attempt, turnovers on offense lead to Washington's loss against Giants". WUSA9.com. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  26. ^ Homler, Ryan (October 26, 2020). "Should Washington consider making a change at kicker?". NBCSports.com. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  27. ^ Crabtree, Curtis (November 18, 2020). "Washington sticking with Dustin Hopkins as placekicker". NBCSports.com. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  28. ^ Cadeaux, Ethan (November 17, 2020). "Report: Washington to stick with kicker Dustin Hopkins". NBCSports.com. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  29. ^ "Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Bills QB Josh Allen lead Players of the Week". NFL.com. December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  30. ^ "Dustin Hopkins 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  31. ^ "Washington Re-Signs K Dustin Hopkins". WashingtonFootball.com. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  32. ^ "Dustin Hopkins 43-yard field goal lifts WFT to 30-29 victory over Giants". NBC Sports. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  33. ^ Camenker, Jacob (September 26, 2021). "Dustin Hopkins recovers his own kickoff as wind wreaks havoc in Bills vs. Washington game". Sporting News. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  34. ^ "Washington releases K Dustin Hopkins, signs K Chris Blewitt from practice squad". WashingtonFootball.com. October 20, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  35. ^ Reedy, Joe (October 26, 2021). "Chargers sign K Dustin Hopkins, waive Tristan Vizcaino". AP News. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  36. ^ "Dustin Hopkins 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  37. ^ Simmons, Myles (March 14, 2022). "Chargers extend Dustin Hopkins on three-year deal". NBC Sports. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  38. ^ Thiry, Lindsey (October 17, 2022). "Chargers' Dustin Hopkins kicks OT field goal winner on injured hamstring". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  39. ^ Alper, Josh (October 19, 2022). "Dustin Hopkins is the AFC special teams player of the week". NBC Sports. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  40. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers Sign Cameron Dicker to Active Roster; Place Dustin Hopkins on Injured Reserve". Chargers.com. November 22, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  41. ^ "Dustin Hopkins 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  42. ^ "Browns agree to trade with Chargers to acquire K Dustin Hopkins, make other roster moves". ClevelandBrowns.com. August 28, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  43. ^ "Chargers Agree to Trade Dustin Hopkins to Browns". Chargers.com. August 28, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  44. ^ Kinnan, Cory. "Browns: K Dustin Hopkins wins AFC Special Teams Player of the Week". USA TODAY. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  45. ^ Russo, Kelsey (October 25, 2023). "DE Myles Garrett and K Dustin Hopkins earn league awards". Cleveland Browns. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  46. ^ Louallen, Doc (December 10, 2023). "K Dustin Hopkins sets new Browns record for made field goals in a season". Cleveland Browns. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  47. ^ "Browns sign K Riley Patterson to the practice squad". Cleveland Browns. December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  48. ^ Cabot, Mary Kay (July 15, 2024). "Browns, Dustin Hopkins agree on 3-year contract extension through 2027, making him the NFL's 5th-highest-paid kicker". Cleveland.com.
  49. ^ Doering, Joshua (October 18, 2022). "Chargers K Dustin Hopkins hits game-winning FG with injured leg, thanks 'Lord & Savior'". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  50. ^ "Dustin Hopkins And His Wife Welcome A Baby Boy". Commanders.com. March 16, 2017. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
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