Andy Hopkins facts for kids
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| Date of birth: | October 19, 1949 |
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| Place of birth: | Crockett, Texas |
| Date of death: | October 1, 2017 (aged 67) |
| Place of death: | Sugar Land, Texas |
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Career information
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| CFL status: | Import |
| Position(s): | RB |
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight: | 186 lb (84 kg) |
| College: | Stephen F. Austin State |
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Organizations
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| CFL East All-Star: | 1973, 1974, 1976 |
| Honors: | 1977 - Grey Cup Champion |
Andrew P. Hopkins Sr. was a fantastic running back in the Canadian Football League (CFL). People often called him "Shay." He grew up in Crockett, Texas, and went to Ralph Bunche High School. Andy was not just good at sports; he was also in the school choir and helped with the yearbook.
Andy was an amazing athlete in high school, excelling in track, baseball, and football. Interestingly, he didn't make the football team in ninth grade, and his own father was the coach! This setback made Andy even more determined to succeed. He worked incredibly hard and later became the captain of his high school football team.
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Andy Hopkins' Football Journey
After high school, Andy went to Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas to play college football. His talent was noticed, and in 1971, the Houston Oilers picked him in the National Football League (NFL) draft.
Later, Andy moved to Canada to play in the CFL. He played for two famous teams: the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Montreal Alouettes.
Becoming a CFL Star
Andy joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1973. In his very first season, he ran for an amazing 1,223 yards! This was a team record at the time. He quickly became one of the best players in the league.
In 1976, Andy moved to the Montreal Alouettes. He continued to shine, rushing for over 1,000 yards again (1,075 yards) and being chosen as an All-Star. The biggest highlight of his career came in 1977 when he helped the Alouettes win the 65th Grey Cup, which is like the championship game for Canadian football.
His CFL Achievements
Andy Hopkins was named an Eastern All-Star three times during his five years in the CFL. He also ran for over 1,000 yards in a season twice, which is a big achievement for a running back.
- In 1973, with Hamilton, he led the Eastern conference in rushing yards.
- In 1974, he nearly reached 1,000 yards again and was named an All-Star for the second time.
- In 1976, after joining Montreal, he had another fantastic season with over 1,000 rushing yards and earned his third All-Star award.
- He finished his CFL career with a total of 3,922 rushing yards.
Life Off the Field
Andy Hopkins was married to his high school sweetheart, Ann Hopkins, who worked in public education. They had four children together: Dr. Alicia Hopkins, Andrew Hopkins II, Aaric Hopkins, and Ashton Hopkins.
The Hopkins family lived in Missouri City, Texas, and attended Brentwood Baptist Church. After his football career, Andy became the CEO of his own company, Copier Systems, Inc.
Gallery
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Andy Hopkins playing for the Houston Oilers in 1971.
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Andy Hopkins
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Andy Hopkins playing in the Canadian Football League in 1976.
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Andy "Shay" Hopkins
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Andy Hopkins
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Andy Hopkins
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Andy Hopkins, a professional track and field athlete.
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Andy Hopkins
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Andy Hopkins
