Dustin Hopkins Bio
Dustin Cole Hopkins (born October 1, 1990) is an American professional football placekicker. He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL draft. Over the course of his career, Hopkins has suited up for the Buffalo Bills, the New Orleans Saints, the Washington Redskins/Football Team, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Cleveland Browns.
Early Life and Background
Dustin Cole Hopkins was born on October 1, 1990, in Austin, Texas. He grew up in the Clear Lake area and attended Space Center Intermediate School before moving on to Clear Lake High School, where he developed into a reliable kicking prospect. His early exposure to football in Texas helped shape the strong leg that would later define his professional career.
During his high school years at Clear Lake, Hopkins drew the attention of several college programs thanks to his consistent kickoff distance. Florida State special teams coordinator Jody Allen noticed Hopkins while reviewing high school game film, and the Seminoles moved quickly to secure his commitment. Notre Dame also expressed interest, but Hopkins chose to continue his development in Tallahassee.
Path to American Football
Hopkins arrived at Florida State in 2009 and immediately contributed as a freshman, hitting 19 of 27 field goal attempts. One of his earliest signature moments came on November 13, 2010, when he drilled a 55-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Seminoles over Clemson. That dramatic finish hinted at the clutch reputation he would carry into the NFL.
As a sophomore in 2011, Hopkins set a Florida State record by converting his 109th consecutive point after touchdown, a streak that eventually reached 145 straight before ending in 2012. That consistency earned him First-team All-ACC honors in 2011 and again in 2012. On November 18, 2012, he became the Football Bowl Subdivision’s all-time leading scorer among kickers with 448 career points, capping his senior season with First-team All-American recognition.
Dustin Hopkins Career
Early Career (2013–2014)
The Buffalo Bills selected Hopkins in the sixth round, 177th overall, of the 2013 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract on May 10, 2013, and was named the starting kicker over veteran Rian Lindell on August 19, 2013. A groin injury suffered in early September forced Hopkins onto injured reserve after only a few games, opening the door for Dan Carpenter.
In 2014, Hopkins was given a chance to reclaim his job but lost the kicking competition to Carpenter. The Bills released him on August 25, 2014, ending his first NFL stint. The New Orleans Saints signed Hopkins to their practice squad on December 17, 2014, and later signed him to a future contract, though he was released in September 2015 after losing the kicking battle to Zach Hocker.
Washington Redskins / Football Team Era (2015–2021)
Hopkins joined the Washington Redskins on September 14, 2015, after the team released Kai Forbath. He set a franchise record with 34 made field goals during the 2016 season and signed a three-year extension in March 2018. On October 14, 2018, he booted a career-long 56-yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers, further cementing his value to the organization.
His tenure included highs and lows, including a partially torn hip muscle in 2017 and a string of late misses during the 2020 season. He responded with a perfect Week 13 performance against the previously unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. On September 16, 2021, he converted a game-winning kick against the New York Giants after the defense jumped offsides, but Washington released him on October 20, 2021.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2021–2023)
Hopkins signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on October 26, 2021, and inked a three-year extension in March 2022. In Week 6 of the 2022 season, he battled through a hamstring injury to go 4-for-4 on field goals, including the overtime winner against the Denver Broncos, and earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. The injury forced him onto injured reserve in November 2022, limiting him to five appearances that year.
Cleveland Browns Era (2023–2025)
On August 28, 2023, the Chargers traded Hopkins to the Cleveland Browns for a 2025 seventh-round pick after he lost his starting job to Cameron Dicker. He took over for Cade York and quickly found his rhythm, earning back-to-back AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in October 2023 after going a combined 8-for-8 on field goals against the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts. On December 10, 2023, he set a Browns single-season record with 31 made field goals and an NFL record with five straight games featuring a 50-plus-yard field goal.
A hamstring injury suffered on a kickoff return attempt against the Houston Texans on December 24, 2023, ended his season. Hopkins signed a three-year contract extension with the Browns on July 15, 2024, but struggled at times during the 2024 campaign. On August 26, 2025, the Browns released Hopkins as part of final roster cuts.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hopkins is known for his powerful right leg, particularly on long-range attempts, and his ability to perform under pressure. He has shown the composure to convert game-winning kicks in hostile environments and the leg strength to challenge from beyond 55 yards. His preparation routine and focus in high-leverage moments have been hallmarks of his professional approach.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his FBS career-points record, Hopkins owns the Browns single-season record for made field goals and an NFL mark for consecutive games with a 50-plus-yard field goal. He has earned multiple conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors across both the AFC and NFC, and he converted a dramatic 55-yard game-winner as a Seminole freshman against Clemson.
Dustin Hopkins Career Wins
Dustin Hopkins has built a reputation as one of the more accurate long-range kickers of his generation, producing memorable game-winners for the Florida State Seminoles, the Washington Redskins, and the Cleveland Browns.
NFL Highlights
Among his most celebrated moments are his overtime field goal against the Denver Broncos in 2022, his game-winning conversion against the New York Giants in September 2021, and his record-setting stretch with Cleveland in 2023. He set the Washington franchise record with 34 made field goals in 2016 and established the Browns single-season record with 31 made field goals in 2023.
Other Wins & Performances
During his two seasons at Florida State that brought conference recognition, Hopkins earned First-team All-ACC honors in 2011 and 2012, and he finished his senior year as a First-team All-American. His 448 career points stood as the FBS record for kickers until 2016.
Dustin Hopkins Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hopkins grew up in the Clear Lake area of Texas and attended Space Center Intermediate School and Clear Lake High School. He has credited his upbringing in Texas and his high school coaching for helping him develop the powerful leg that defined his career.
Personal Life
Hopkins is a Christian. He is married to Gabrielle Hopkins, and the couple has two sons, Wake and Wiley.
2025 Season Performance
Hopkins entered the 2025 offseason under contract with the Cleveland Browns after signing a three-year extension in July 2024. His 2024 totals of 17 of 20 on extra points and 18 of 27 on field goals reflected accuracy challenges that carried into training camp. The Browns ultimately decided to move in a different direction at kicker.
On August 26, 2025, Cleveland released Hopkins as part of its final roster cuts, ending his tenure with the team. As a veteran kicker with a proven track record on long field goals and game-winning kicks, Hopkins remained a candidate to be picked up by another NFL club needing placekicking help. His career totals across the Bills, Saints, Washington, Chargers, and Browns included more than 200 made field goals and consistent accuracy on extra-point attempts.