[1] In 1911 he returned to Northern League football with Stanley United, and his performances over the season earned him a contract with First Division club Sunderland.
He made his first-team debut on 13 September 1913 away to Liverpool in the centre of a half-back line reshuffled because of an injury to wing half Harry Low, and, according to the Athletic News, he "played a very prominent part in the [3–1] victory which was achieved.
[11][12] In June 1921, Hartlepools United of the newly formed Football League Third Division North paid a "substantial" transfer fee for Hopkins.
[13] He was appointed captain,[14] played at centre-half in the club's first Football League fixture, a 2–0 win away to Wrexham, and continued as a regular selection.
[19] A pre-season profile suggested that the Durham club, whose financial situation meant their playing staff was about 80% amateur, were signing "the right sort" of professional player, which included the "experienced and clever" Hopkins.
Although he lost his place as first-team centre-half to Joe Robson, he continued to contribute as coach and reserve-team player until the end of the season, at which point, at the age of nearly 37, he retired from playing.
[27] On 21 January 1938, while preparing the Barnsley players for an FA Cup match against Manchester United, he collapsed in the steam room at the team's hotel in Blackpool.