Dustin Hopkins Bio
Dustin Cole Hopkins (born October 1, 1990) is an American professional football placekicker who played college football for the Florida State Seminoles. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft and has since built a professional career spanning multiple teams including the New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins/Football Team, Los Angeles Chargers, and Cleveland Browns. Known for his powerful leg and consistency from long distance, Hopkins has established himself as one of the more reliable kickers in the league over his career.
Early Life and Background
Dustin Hopkins was born on October 1, 1990, in Austin, Texas. He attended Clear Lake High School in Houston, Texas, where he developed his skills as a placekicker. His exceptional leg strength and accuracy at the high school level attracted attention from college programs across the country. After high school, he chose to continue his football career at the collegiate level, ultimately deciding to play for Florida State University.
Path to Professional Football
Hopkins was recruited by Florida State when then Seminoles special teams coordinator Jody Allen watched his high school game film and noticed his impressive kickoffs. Notre Dame also showed interest in Hopkins, but he ultimately committed to Florida State. As a freshman in 2009, Hopkins made his collegiate debut by connecting on 19 of 27 field goal attempts. His consistency and range continued to develop throughout his college career, setting the foundation for his future professional prospects.
Dustin Hopkins Career
Florida State Seminoles (2009–2012)
During his college career at Florida State, Hopkins emerged as one of the most accomplished kickers in the school’s history. On November 13, 2010, against Clemson, with less than three seconds left in regulation and the game tied at 13, Hopkins made a dramatic 55-yard field goal to win the game for Florida State. In 2011, while playing against Wake Forest, Hopkins kicked his 109th consecutive point after touchdown, breaking the previous Florida State record. He would continue his streak to 145 successful attempts, ranking as the sixth longest in NCAA history at that time.
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 against Maryland. He finished his college career as a two-time First-team All-American and a two-time First-team All-ACC selection, cementing his status as one of the top kicking prospects in the country.
Buffalo Bills (2013)
Hopkins was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round with the 177th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, joining former Florida State teammates Shawn Powell and EJ Manuel. He signed a four-year contract with the Bills on May 10, 2013, and was named the starting placekicker over veteran Rian Lindell during training camp. However, a groin injury sustained in early September derailed his rookie season. The Bills placed Hopkins on injured reserve following Week 5, and he was given an opportunity to compete for his roster spot in 2014 before losing the competition to Dan Carpenter. The Bills released Hopkins on August 25, 2014.
New Orleans Saints (2014–2015)
Following his release from Buffalo, Hopkins was signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad on December 17, 2014. He was then signed to a future/reserve contract at the end of the 2014 season and competed for the starting placekicker position with Shayne Graham. On September 5, 2015, the Saints released Hopkins after he lost the kicking competition to Zach Hocker.
Washington Redskins/Football Team (2015–2021)
Hopkins signed with the Washington Redskins on September 14, 2015, after the team released Kai Forbath. He quickly became the team’s starting kicker and made an immediate impact. On November 15, 2015, Hopkins kicked a career-high four field goals against the New Orleans Saints. During the 2016 season, he set a franchise record with 34 field goals made. On October 15, 2017, Hopkins suffered a partially torn hip muscle and was placed on injured reserve, later returning to the roster on December 16, 2017.
On March 12, 2018, Hopkins signed a three-year contract extension with Washington. He achieved a career-long 56-yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers during the 2018 season. In Week 13 of the 2020 season, Hopkins delivered a standout performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, converting all three field goal attempts and both extra point attempts in a 23-17 victory that handed the Steelers their first loss of the season. He was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for that performance. On September 16, 2021, against his former team the New York Giants, Hopkins kicked a game-winning field goal after the Giants defense committed an offside penalty on his initial missed attempt, giving him a second chance. He was released by Washington on October 20, 2021.
Los Angeles Chargers (2021–2022)
Hopkins signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on October 26, 2021. In the 2021 season, combining his statistics from both Washington and the Chargers, he converted 40 of 44 extra point attempts and 30 of 34 field goal attempts. On March 14, 2022, he signed a three-year contract extension with the Chargers. In Week 6 of the 2022 season against the Denver Broncos, Hopkins injured his hamstring but still went 4-for-4 on field goals, including the game-winner in overtime, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He missed the next four games with the injury before being placed on injured reserve on November 22, 2022.
Cleveland Browns (2023–2025)
On August 28, 2023, the Chargers traded Hopkins to the Cleveland Browns for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick. He took over for Cade York and made an immediate impact. On October 18, 2023, Hopkins was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after kicking four field goals and an extra point in a Week 6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The following week, he earned the honor again after his performance against the Indianapolis Colts, going 4-for-4 on field goals including three from 53 yards or longer and setting a new career long of 58 yards.
Hopkins set a Browns single-season record with 31 made field goals after kicking a 55-yard field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 10, 2023. In that same game, he also set a new NFL record for five consecutive games with a field goal of 50 yards or more. However, his season was cut short when he injured his hamstring while attempting to make a tackle on a 98-yard kick return during a game against the Houston Texans on December 24, 2023. He finished the 2023 season converting 24 of 26 extra point attempts and 33 of 36 field goal attempts. On July 15, 2024, Hopkins signed a three-year contract extension with the Browns. In the 2024 season, he converted 17 of 20 extra point attempts and 18 of 27 field goal attempts.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hopkins is known for his powerful leg, which allows him to attempt and convert field goals from long distances. His ability to consistently make kicks of 50 yards or longer sets him apart from many kickers in the league. His career-long field goal of 58 yards demonstrates his range and leg strength. Throughout his career, Hopkins has shown resilience in bouncing back from injuries and has been a reliable option for teams in crucial situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most notable achievements, Hopkins holds the Florida State career scoring record for a kicker with 442 points, a record that stood until it was broken in 2016. His dramatic game-winning kicks, including a 55-yarder against Clemson in college and several clutch field goals in the NFL, have defined his career. His five consecutive games with 50-plus yard field goals in 2023 set an NFL record and showcased his consistency from long distance.
Dustin Hopkins Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Dustin Hopkins has established himself as a productive placekicker with significant contributions across multiple teams. His career statistics include 241 field goals made on 287 attempts, along with 489 touchbacks. His consistency and ability to deliver in clutch moments have made him a valuable asset for every team he has played for.
Career Highlights
Hopkins has earned multiple AFC and NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors throughout his career, including standout performances against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020 and against the 49ers and Colts in 2023. His most prolific season came in 2023 with the Cleveland Browns, where he set a franchise record with 31 made field goals and achieved an 84% completion rate. His 2016 season with Washington saw him set a team record with 34 field goals made, and his 2021 combined season statistics showed remarkable efficiency with 30 of 34 field goal attempts converted.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his NFL achievements, Hopkins excelled at the college level where he earned First-team All-American honors in 2012 and was a two-time First-team All-ACC selection. His NCAA record of 442 career points by a kicker and his 145 consecutive PATs demonstrate his consistency and reliability that translated to his professional career.
Dustin Hopkins Family
Family Background
Hopkins grew up in the Houston, Texas area, attending Clear Lake High School and Space Center Intermediate School. His journey from high school standout in Texas to college star at Florida State and eventual NFL player reflects his dedication to the sport from an early age.
Personal Life
Dustin Hopkins is married to Gabrielle Hopkins. Together they have two sons, Wake and Wiley. Hopkins has publicly identified as a Christian. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. Despite the demands of an NFL career and family life, he has remained committed to both his professional responsibilities and his personal values.