Al Hoptowit facts for kids
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| Position: | Tackle | ||
| Personal information | |||
| Born: | September 17, 1915 Yakima, Washington |
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| Died: | April 6, 1981 (aged 65) Yakima, Washington |
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||
| Weight: | 217 lb (98 kg) | ||
| Career information | |||
| High school: | Wapato (WA) | ||
| College: | Washington State | ||
| NFL Draft: | 1938 / Round: 11 / Pick: 91 (by the Cleveland Rams) |
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| Career history | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||
Alphonse William Hoptowit, also known as "Hoppy" or "Tonto," was a talented American football player. He was born on September 7, 1915, and passed away on April 6, 1981. Al Hoptowit played as a tackle for four seasons. He was part of the famous Chicago Bears team in the National Football League (NFL).
He was chosen by the Cleveland Rams in the 1938 NFL Draft. Before playing professionally, he played college football at Washington State University. He also went to Wapato High School in Wapato, Washington. Hoptowit also played for the Newark Bears.
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Playing in College
Al Hoptowit played for the Washington State Cougars college team. He was a key player from 1933 to 1937. In his final year, 1937, he was recognized as one of the best players. He earned Second-team All-PCC honors.
Professional Football Career
Al Hoptowit was picked by the Cleveland Rams in the 1938 NFL Draft. He was the 91st player chosen overall. Before joining the NFL, he spent two seasons playing rugby in Canada.
He joined the Chicago Bears in 1941. That same year, he also played for the Newark Bears. The Newark Bears were like a training team for the Chicago Bears. From 1942 to 1945, Hoptowit played in 41 games for the Chicago Bears. He started in 19 of those games. He was part of the team that won the NFL Championship in 1943.
Life After Playing: Coaching
After his playing career, Al Hoptowit became a coach. In 1946, he was an assistant coach for the Akron Bears. This team was also connected to the Chicago Bears. The next year, in 1947, he became an assistant coach. He coached for his old college team, the Washington State Cougars.
About His Life
Al Hoptowit was a Native American. He was proud of his heritage.
