About Inductee

Mike was born in Huntsville in 1942. He played Pee Wee Football at East Clinton for coach Oliver Green. After Pee Wee ball Mike played football and basketball for Ben Berry at Huntsville Junior High School. When Mike attended Huntsville High School he played football, basketball, and baseball as well as running track. He lettered in all sports while playing for coaches Clem Gryska (football), E. C. Campbell (basketball), Harold Sisson (baseball) and track under coach Gryska. Mike gained recognition as the citys Best Blocker on the All City Team. He placed on the All TVC Football Team, attained All-State honors and played in the Alabama High School North-South Game recovering a fumble which led to a North Squad victory. Mike served as team captain at Huntsville High School on the 1959-60 team which went on to defeat Butler in the Annual City Battle. In Mikes senior year at Huntsville High he was chosen as a High School All American. Mike went on after high school at Huntsville to play at Alabama under the great Bear Bryant. While at Alabama, Mike played on the 1961, 1962 and 1964 teams and was a fine contributor in their winning two national championships in the years 1961 and 1964. In the 1964 Tennessee game, Mike accounted for four pass receptions. In the 1964 Georgia Tech game Mike recovered a fumble which set up a touchdown drive. Mike served as captain in the Georgia Tech game in 1964 along with Joe Namath. In June of 1965 Coach Bryant told a crowd gathered for Mike Hopper Day in Huntsville that Mike was not blessed with a whole lot of ability, and I say this as a compliment to him. He played a lot when he was hurt, and the coaching staff appreciated this. Bear went on to state, And Mike and Dink Wall (of Fairfax) are the only two men alive today in Alabama who played on two national championship teams. In 1965-66 Mike joined teammate Benny Nelson in coaching responsibilities at Arab High School. Another tribute to Mikes capabilities and drive was a comment by Paul Bear Bryant. Bryant had been complemented on his teams working hard, playing hard-nosed football, disciplined and mentally tough. When Bryant heard this compliment he said that made him proud and that if these factors were not true that players like Mike wouldnt have the opportunity to play and excel at playing. Mike and his wife Karen own and operate M&K Cavalier Home Center in Huntsville. The Hoppers reside in Guntersville. One of Mikes hobbies through the years was hunting, a Hopper family tradition.