Avengers to honor AFL legend Greg Hopkins on June 17
Published on April 25, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- At halftime of their game against the Las Vegas Gladiators on June 17, the Los Angeles Avengers will host a ceremony to retire the No. 82 jersey of former wide receiver/linebacker Greg Hopkins. In conjunction with that honor, the first 5,000 fans through the gates at STAPLES Center will receive a "Greg Hopkins No. 82 Russell Athletic Mini-Jersey," compliments of Carl's Jr.
Hopkins, who played 11 seasons in the Arena Football League, spent five seasons with the Avengers (2002-06). While playing for Los Angeles, he caught a grand total of 411 passes (second most in team history) for 4,863 yards and 96 touchdowns. Hopkins also scored six rushing touchdowns for the Avengers. While on defense, he intercepted 16 passes and returned five of them for L.A. touchdowns.
"It is truly an honor to be recognized by the Avengers for my service as a player in the AFL," Hopkins said. "In my 11 years, I have visited many franchises and can honestly say that the Avenger organization is absolutely first class from top to bottom ... front office staff, coaches, players and most of all our fans. I am eagerly anticipating my visit back to the West Coast and seeing all the faces that made my time in L.A. so enjoyable."
Following the 2002 season, Hopkins was selected as the AFL's "Ironman of the Year," the league's most prestigious individual honor, awarded annually to the most outstanding two-way player. He finished that season with 102 receptions for 1,185 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Avengers. On defense, Hopkins had 38.5 tackles and picked off five passes, returning three of them for scores.
Prior to the 2006 season, Hopkins was named to the league's "20 Greatest Players" list. His career totals include 833 receptions, 10,206 receiving yards (only five players in AFL history have surpassed the 10,000-yard mark), 196 touchdown catches, 312 tackles, 42 pass deflections, 26 interceptions, 17 fumble recoveries, 13 forced fumbles and 5.5 quarterback sacks. Hopkins returned 10 of his 26 career interceptions for touchdowns, setting an all-time AFL record (broken this season by Kansas City defensive back Kenny McEntyre).
Hopkins began his AFL career in 1996 with the Albany Firebirds. In 1999, he was a key member of the Firebird squad that won ArenaBowl XIII, beating the Orlando Predators, 59-48. Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss was Albany's offensive coordinator during that season and remained with the Firebirds until he was hired as L.A.'s head coach prior to the 2002 season (one of his first moves was signing Hopkins to a free agent contract).
This past offseason, Hopkins entered the political arena, running for public office in Pennsylvania (State Representative -- 50th District). After prevailing in the primary, his campaign fell a bit short in the general election, running against a 30-year incumbent.
Early this year, Hopkins underwent shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum suffered in L.A.'s 44-27 victory over the Gladiators at STAPLES Center on May 13, 2006, the regular-season finale for both teams.
Kickoff for this season's Las Vegas at Los Angeles game on June 17 is set for 7:30 p.m. The Hopkins mini-jersey giveaway will begin when doors open at 6:30 p.m. It will be the team's second mini-jersey giveaway compliments of Carl's Jr. The Avengers gave away a "Sonny Cumbie No. 15 Russell Athletic Mini-Jersey" on April 6, prior to a 64-45 victory over the Arizona Rattlers.
Pro-rated Avenger season tickets are on sale now at 888-AVENGERS or www.laavengers.com. Single-game tickets, which range in price from $10 to $69.50, are also on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com and the STAPLES Center box office.
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