Theodore "Trip" Hopkins ('95), of Columbus, Ohio, was inducted into the Urbana University Hall of Fame Saturday, January 24. He is the 21st member and third football player to be inducted into the Blue Knight Esquire Hall of Fame. He is the only Blue Knight to score touchdowns via pass, run, catch, punt return and kick return.

Trip became the first Blue Knight to earn NAIA 1st team All-American honors, after leading the nation in punt returns (16.7 yards per return) in 1993, including a 68-yard return for a touchdown vs. Tiffin University. He was also nationally ranked in kickoff returns (31 returns for a 23.8 yard average and two TDs). He was a NAIA All-District 22 selection as well. In 1994 he was named a preseason All-American for special teams by Football Preview Magazine. He also earned 2nd Team All-Mid-States Football Association as a wide receiver in 1994. In 1992 he was a NAIA All-District 22 Honorable Mention wide receiver. Hopkins played in two College Football National All-Star Games.

"The lightning-quick Columbus native is probably the most exciting player in Urbana football history. His 1st Team All-America status speaks for itself, especially since his production remained steady last year even with teams kicking away from him and keying on his every move. Trip Hopkins is a dangerous return man," as was reported in the Urbana University Football 1994 media guide.

In the opening game of the 1993 season, Hopkins set a school record with a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in a 49-21 win over Taylor University. Hopkins also scored on 56- and 49-yard receptions.

Hopkins holds several Blue Knight returning records: kickoff returns in a career with 57 (91-94); kickoff return yards in a game with 134 vs. Taylor (09/04/93); in his career with 1,230; punt returns in a game: 4 vs. Tiffin (10/09/93); in his career: 52 (91-94); punt return yards in a game with 94 vs. Tiffin (10/09/93); in a season 217 in 1993; in a career 497 (91-94).

After his successful tenure at Urbana University, Trip went on to a professional football combine and pursued individual workouts for various pro teams. Trip graduated from Urbana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication. He is currently the Education Coordinator for The Columbus Urbana League, Inc. He is also a sought after speaker dealing with youth development and motivation, both locally and nationally. Trip currently volunteers to coach youth football and basketball in the Columbus community.

Trip Hopkins is the son of Theodore & Pamila Hopkins. In September of 2003 Trip was married to Kyra Harrison of Columbus, Ohio. He has two children Justin (11) and Tripp (3). Trip has two siblings Tasha and Tracee' Hopkins.