He played college football at Yale University and was selected as a consensus All-American at the tackle position in 1909.

He also served as the head coach at Amherst College from 1910 to 1913, compiling a 13–17–2 record with the Lord Jeffs.

During World War I, Hobbs was active with the Commission for Relief in Belgium and the American Field Service.

[1] His father, Charles Henry Hobbs, owned a knitting mill in Palmer, Massachusetts.

[13] He was responsible for procurement, storage, and distribution of lubricating oils for the American Expeditionary Forces.

The marriage was opposed by Congressman Andrus, reported to be a millionaire and the "richest man in Congress".

The wedding occurred in secret and resulted in extensive coverage in newspapers from Boston to Baltimore.

[14][15][16][17] Congressman Andrus was reported to be "disconsolate" over the decision of his "favorite daughter" to marry a man who was "at present 'aisle manager' for a department store in Springfield, Mass.