History of Wes Hopkins in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 15, 2025

Wesley Carl "Wes" Hopkins was a professional American football safety who spent his entire 11-year NFL career (1983-1993) playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he earned All-Conference honors in his junior and senior years. Hopkins initially joined the SMU team as a walk-on and gained recognition after a memorable tackle on future Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson during practice.

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Full Timeline

September 26, 1961: Wesley Hopkins' Birth

On September 26, 1961, Wesley Carl Hopkins was born. He would later become a safety for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Others born on this day/year

1983: Drafted by the Eagles

In 1983, Hopkins was drafted by the Eagles in the second round (35th pick overall) of the NFL draft and started 14 games as a rookie at free safety.

1983: Began NFL Career

In 1983, Wesley Hopkins started his 11-year National Football League (NFL) career with the Philadelphia Eagles.

1985: Career High and Pro Bowl Selection

In 1985, Hopkins achieved a career-high of 6 interceptions, including one for a touchdown, was voted Most Valuable Player on the Eagles defense, and was selected to the Pro Bowl.

1986: Formation of "Gang Green" Defense

From 1986 to 1993, Hopkins and Andre Waters formed the safety tandem of "Gang Green" defense for the Eagles. From 1986 to 1990, with Buddy Ryan as head coach, they were considered one of the hardest hitting and most feared safety duos in the NFL.

1988: Eagles Ed Block Courage Award

In 1988, Hopkins was voted the Eagles Ed Block Courage Award winner.

1990: End of the Buddy Ryan Era

In 1990, Buddy Ryan's tenure as head coach ended, marking a shift for the Eagles and their "Gang Green" defense, including the safety tandem of Hopkins and Waters.