Brad Hopkins is the father of Brycen Hopkins.
Bradley D. Hopkins is a retired American football player who was born on September 5, 1970. He spent 13 seasons as a left tackle in the National Football League (NFL), all with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans.
Hopkins lettered in football and basketball at Moline High School. He was a tight end and a defensive lineman in football. Hopkins was a power forward for the Hawkeyes, alongside future NBA first-round pick Acie Earl.
John Mackovic recruited Hopkins to play football for the Illinois Fighting Illini. Hopkins was a reserve offensive lineman in college, blocking for future NFL top selection Jeff George. On his way to the 1990 Florida Citrus Bowl against the Virginia Cavaliers, George led the Illini to a 9–2 record, second in the Big Ten Conference.
The Oilers drafted Hopkins in the first round of the 1993 NFL Draft. Hopkins started 11 games at left tackle in his debut season, earning many All-Rookie honors.
After graduating from the Big Ten in 1995, Hopkins played all 16 games for the Oilers in 1996, 1997, and 1999. The Titans lost to the Kurt Warner-led St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999.
Hopkins made the Pro Bowl in 2000, starting all but one game for the Tennessee Titans. Hopkins was part of an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL, and George rushed for over 1500 yards. While the Titans won the AFC Central Division that season, they lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs.
Hopkins returned to the Pro Bowl in 2003, starting all sixteen games for the fifth time in his career. The Titans’ offense, led by Steve McNair and Eddie George, scored 30 points in six straight games, a team record.
On June 14, 2006, he retired from football. He was the last remaining Oiler, along with Steve McNair.
He presently works for ESPNU, B1G, ACC, SEC, Mad Dog Radio, and NFL Radio on SiriusXM.
