Hoffman played for the Santa Clara Broncos football team as an offensive lineman, after having initially been a defensive end.[2][3] Standing at 6feet 7inches (2.01m) and weighing 270 pounds (120kg), he was the largest player on the team.[4] As a sophomore in 1980, he was thrust into a starting role for their NCAA Division II playoff game against Northern Michigan due to eligibility issues with Hugh Lovelace, the team MVP.[2] He played a key role in their upset victory over the Wildcats and coach Pat Malley called him the "surprise of the game".[5] Hoffman then became starting offensive tackle for the Broncos in 1981.[6] He was named team captain, serving three years in the position, and was the first underclassman ever to receive the honor at Santa Clara.[7]
Hoffman helped Santa Clara to the Western Football Conference championship and a 6–4 record as a senior in 1983.[8] He was named first-team All-Western Football Conference and first-team Little All-American by the Associated Press for his performance.[7] He helped Santa Clara to a total of 24 wins in his collegiate career, gaining a reputation as a "ferocious competitor and a tireless worker" and being "one of the best tackles in Bronco history".[7] He was inducted into the Santa Clara Broncos Hall of Fame in 2003.[7]
Professional career
Hoffman was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 10th round (267th overall) of the 1984 NFL draft.[1] At the time of his selection, he was working as a bartender; after being picked, he offered to buy drinks for everyone there.[9] The Packers decided to pay the cost of the drinks, in what The Peninsula Times Tribune called "one of the more unusual bonuses proffers by an NFL team".[9] He was also selected by the San Antonio Gunslingers in the 1984 USFL draft, though he stayed with the Packers.[1] However, he was placed on injured reserve prior to the regular season due to an injury to his retina.[10] Hoffman was activated prior to the season finale against the Minnesota Vikings and appeared in the game as a backup.[1][11][12]
Hoffman was released by the Packers on September 2, 1985.[1] He signed with the San Francisco 49ers on January 9, 1986, but was then released on August 12.[1] During this time, he operated a "popular hangout" at Santa Clara, called "The Bronco Hut".[13] In September 1987, he was preparing to open a restaurant at Santa Clara when he was asked by the 49ers to play as a replacement player during the 1987 NFL strike.[13] After signing on September 24, 1987, he appeared in three games as a backup before being released on October 19, at the end of the strike, which ended his professional career.[1]
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