He played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) with the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and the "Steagles".
Prior to his professional career, Hinkle was standout for Syracuse University's football team in the late 1930s.
That final game (in which Hinkle's only play was a five-yard kickoff return) was held on December 7, 1941, the day Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan, thrusting the United States into World War II.
Hinkle enjoyed his best season though in 1943, when a league-wide manning shortage, brought on by World War II, caused the Eagles to temporarily merge with the cross-state Pittsburgh Steelers.
With the Steagles, Hinkle rushed for a team-leading 571 yards and three touchdowns, while also intercepting four passes as a defensive back.
In 1944, Hinkle was head coach at Simon Gratz High School while continuing playing for the Eagles.