Former Stanford Tight End Austin Hooper Prepares for Super Bowl LX

Hooper, now with the New England Patriots, looks to win his first championship in his 10th NFL season.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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This Sunday, former Stanford tight end Austin Hooper will be competing in Super Bowl LX as a member of the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks. Hooper has started in six games for the Patriots this season, totaling 21 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns. After not seeing the field as a true freshman, Hooper burst onto the scene as a sophomore in 2014 before having a strong junior campaign in 2015 that led to him getting drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

Hooper's journey from Stanford to the Super Bowl highlights the program's reputation as 'Tight End U', producing NFL-caliber talent at the position. His success also demonstrates the continued pipeline of Cardinal players making an impact at the professional level.

The details

During his time at Stanford, Hooper had 40 receptions for 499 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore in 2014, helping the Cardinal go 8-5 with a 5-4 record in the Pac-12. In 2015, he had 34 receptions for 438 yards and six touchdowns, as Stanford went 12-2 overall and 8-1 in the Pac-12, finishing the season ranked 3rd in the AP Top 25 poll after dominating Iowa in the Rose Bowl.

  • Hooper was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
  • Hooper is in his 10th season in the NFL this year.
  • Super Bowl LX will be played this Sunday.

The players

Austin Hooper

A former tight end for the Stanford Cardinal who is now in his 10th NFL season, playing for the New England Patriots.

New England Patriots

The NFL team that Austin Hooper currently plays for, who are competing in Super Bowl LX.

Seattle Seahawks

The NFL team that the New England Patriots will be facing in Super Bowl LX.

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What they’re saying

“It'll be fun to see how he does in the Super Bowl and whether or not he'll be able to get a championship ring.”

— Ben Parker, Writer (on3.com)

What’s next

The outcome of Super Bowl LX will determine whether Hooper and the Patriots can win their first championship together.

The takeaway

Austin Hooper's journey from Stanford to the Super Bowl showcases the program's reputation for developing top-tier tight end talent, and his success with the Patriots demonstrates the continued pipeline of Cardinal players making an impact at the professional level.