Mitch Hoopes facts for kids

Mitchell Kent Hoopes (born July 8, 1953 – died August 11, 2020) was an American football player. He was a punter, which means he kicked the ball far down the field to the other team. Mitch played for several teams in the National Football League (NFL). These teams included the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, Houston Oilers, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles. He also played for the Boston Breakers in the United States Football League (USFL). Before becoming a professional player, he played college football at the University of Arizona. Mitch Hoopes passed away in 2020 when he was 67 years old.

Early Years and College Football

Mitch Hoopes grew up in Benson, Arizona. He went to Benson High School where he played football. In high school, he played as a halfback, which is a player who runs with the ball. He earned many awards, including All-Conference and All-State honors.

After high school, Mitch went to Eastern Arizona Junior College. Later, he moved to the University of Arizona. There, he played as a defensive back and also as a punter.

In 1973, during his junior year, Mitch focused mainly on punting. He was one of the best punters in college football that year. He averaged 43.9 yards per punt, which was the second-best in his school's history at that time. In his senior year (1974), he averaged 41.8 yards per punt. His longest punt was 59 yards.

Professional Football Career

Playing for the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys picked Mitch Hoopes in the 1975 NFL Draft. He was chosen in the eighth round. In his first year, Mitch and another rookie, Burton Lawless, were the only new players to become starters.

In the first game of the season, the Cowboys were playing the Los Angeles Rams. It was a tough moment: 4th down and 13 yards to go. Instead of punting, Mitch surprised everyone by running with the ball. He gained enough yards for a first down, which helped his team win the game 18–7. He averaged 39.4 yards per punt that season.

Mitch also played in Super Bowl X. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys were leading 10-7. A player from the other team, the Steelers, broke through the line and blocked Mitch's punt. The ball went out of the end zone, giving the Steelers two points (a safety). This made the score 10-9. The Steelers eventually won the game 21-17.

In 1976, the Cowboys got a new player named Danny White. He could play quarterback and also punt. So, on August 3, 1976, Mitch was traded to the San Diego Chargers.

Time with the San Diego Chargers

Mitch Hoopes joined the San Diego Chargers in 1976. However, he was released from the team during the season, on November 9, 1976. He had averaged 38.8 yards per punt. In one game against the Houston Oilers, he even tried to run with the ball from a punt formation on a fourth down with 17 yards to go.

Brief Stays with Other Teams

After leaving the Chargers, Mitch signed with the Houston Oilers on November 12, 1976. But he only played one game for them. He was released on November 21 because his punts were not going very far, averaging only 31 yards.

In 1977, Mitch signed with the Saint Louis Cardinals on May 18. However, he was waived (released) by them on September 9.

The very next day, September 10, 1977, the Detroit Lions picked him up. But his time with the Lions was also short. He was released on September 22 after just one game. In that game, one of his punts was blocked, and another was returned for a touchdown by the opposing team.

On June 7, 1978, Mitch signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent. He was signed by the Eagles three different times during that season. He was part of a group of punters the team used.

Playing in the USFL

On November 20, 1982, Mitch Hoopes signed with the Boston Breakers. This team was part of a different league called the United States Football League (USFL).

During a mini-camp, Mitch injured his right hamstring (a muscle in his leg). He was able to recover, but then he injured it again. After playing 13 games in the 1983 season, he decided to retire from football. He had kicked 23 punts for the Breakers, averaging 37.7 yards per punt, with his longest being 60 yards.