On both legs or just one, it didn’t matter for Los Angeles Chargers kicker Dustin Hopkins on Monday night.
After feeling “pop and pain” early in the second quarter, the former Clear Lake High School standout remained in the game, accounting for four field goals that lifted LA over the Denver Broncos 19-16 in overtime. After each kick, Hopkins would stumble and wobble to the turf. All the field goals were within 30+ yards.
“It felt a lot longer when you’re not feeling good,” Hopkins said. “I didn’t think about the distance or any external things… and we’ll deal with the pain later.”
Throughout his high school career, Hopkins was a census top-rated prospect throughout the country. He earned two Texas 5A All-State selections, was named to USA Today first team All-American as a senior, and participated in the Under Armour All-America game.
After graduating, Hopkins left the Lone Star State for FSU, setting an NCAA scoring record for kickers with 466 points. He also established new school, conference (ACC), and NCAA records with 88 career field goals.
It is unclear what the status is on his right hamstring, although the Chargers didn’t have a backup active on Monday.
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