Popelka was raised in Temple, Texas, and played college football as a defensive back for Southern Methodist University.

Popelka played tailback in high school but was converted to defense at SMU.

[1] In 1971, he intercepted a pass and returned it 76 yards for a touchdown to help SMU to an 18–17 upset victory over Texas Tech.

[5] SMU coach Hayden Fry said of Popelka: "Robert is the best defensive back in America.

This biographical article relating to an American football wide receiver born in the 1940s is a stub.