He played college football at the University of Tulsa and was selected in the twelfth round of the 1985 NFL draft.
Hamel was selected by the Washington Redskins in the 12th round (309th overall) of the 1985 NFL draft, even though he wasn't a starter in college.
[2] As a rookie, he was given the nickname tazmanian devil and was named the starter at right defensive tackle for the last eight games of the season.
[4] In 1987, he played all of the second half and made a key tackle in the NFC championship game, with the Minnesota Vikings at the Redskins' two-yard line to avoid being tied on the scoreboard.
[6] After the incident, head coach Joe Gibbs refused to allow him to return and traded him to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fifth round draft choice (#110-Junior Robinson).
[7] In 1989, Hamel was acquired to help compensate for the retirement of Randy White and the season ending injury of Mark Walen.