Austin Hooper

Austin Hooper's Biography

Austin Manuel Hooper, an American professional football tight end, was born on October 29, 1994. Currently, Hooper plays for the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL). His journey in football dates back to his childhood, growing up in San Ramon, California.

Hooper’s football journey transcended his early years, accompanying him through his middle school and high school education. After attending Pine Valley Middle School, Hooper moved forward to graduate from St. Raymond School in Dublin, California. Onward, Hooper proceeded to De La Salle High School in Concord, California, where his prowess on the football field became more evident as he became a key player for the school team.

As Hooper’s high school career progressed, two notable sports news outlets, Rivals.com, and ESPN ranked him as a three-star and four-star recruit respectively. Rivals.com listed Hooper as a defensive end, and ESPN even ranked him as the nation’s 261st best player, disregarding position. Additionally, the young talent made a significant decision to further his football career by committing to Stanford University.

Upon his arrival at Stanford University in 2013, Hooper redshirted his freshman year. However, by 2014, he returned with a bang, playing in all thirteen games of his first season. Hooper’s performance was commendable, finishing the season with 40 receptions for 499 yards and two touchdowns. His impressive display of skill continued into his sophomore year in 2015, where he recorded 34 receptions for 438 yards and made six touchdowns.

By 2016, Hooper had built a reputation for himself. Opting to leave college football behind, he decided to enter the 2016 NFL draft, thereby renouncing his remaining two years of eligibility. Hooper’s decision was influenced by the lack of competition at the tight end position and his high draft stock following his impressive season at Stanford.

The Atlanta Falcons selected Hooper in the third round (81st overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. At the Falcons, Hooper reunited with former Stanford teammate Levine Toilolo. Shortly after his induction into the team, the Falcons signed Hooper to a four-year, $3.21 million contract inclusive of a $773,428 signing bonus. Now an established member of the Falcons, Hooper went on to build a strong series of performances, including critical plays in the games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers.

When the 2016 season culminated with the Falcons winning the NFC South with an 11-5 record, Hooper had already made his mark with 19 receptions for 271 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His performance took him to his first playoff game and eventually onto the Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots. Hooper’s contributions throughout the game, including a 19-yard touchdown, however, did not amount to victory for the Falcons.

The 2017 season saw Hooper rise to the position of the starting tight end following Jacob Tamme’s retirement. He continued to lead impressive plays throughout the season, displaying particular skill in the games against the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills. By the middle of the season, he ranked second in receiving yards on the team, falling behind only the All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones.

Hooper’s consistent performance continued into the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He posted a career-best statistics in the season 2019, earning his second Pro Bowl recognition. Further, in 2020, Hooper signed a lucrative four-year, $44 million contract with the Browns.

Despite impressive performances, Cleveland Brown decided to release Hooper in March 2022. After his dismissal, Hooper continued his professional journey by signing with the Titans in the same month. From there, he went on to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2023 before finally becoming a member of the New England Patriots in March 2024.

Hooper’s ancestry is embellished with a mix of African-American, Mexican, Irish, Native American, and Belgian heritage. His life story serves as a testament to his perseverance, talent, and unwavering dedication to his sport. Despite the setbacks and obstacles he has faced throughout his career, Hooper has managed to rise to the top of his profession and make significant contributions to the teams he has played for.