Dustin Hopkins ends wild Chargers debut with game-winning kick originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Three weeks after Washington cut kicker Dustin Hopkins and he's the Los Angeles Chargers' hero.
Hopkins put the exclamation point on his eventful Chargers debut on Sunday with the game-winning kick from 29 yards out to help LA to a 27-24 victory with two seconds left on the clock in Philadelphia.
We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.
Following seven years of kicking field goals for the Burgundy and Gold against the Eagles, Hopkins had plenty of experience with the Lincoln Financial Field faithful. In new colors this time, Hopkins delivered the fatal blow after a rocky start.
Hopkins and the special teams unit were booed during the halftime show for not waiting until the military show was over. He then put that practice to good use with his third-quarter 30-yard field goal before falling victim to a tendency that became far too commonplace in his final year and a half in Washington: a missed extra point.
Hopkins' point-after blunder didn't end up too costly, though, as Justin Herbert hit Jared Cook for a two-point conversion after rushing it in himself in the final frame to keep the lead. A DeVonta Smith score leveled things up with six minutes remaining before Herbert charged down the field to set up Hopkins' chip shot.
Though he was signed on Oct. 26, Hopkins told media he was still introducing himself to some teammates before the game. There was no need for any introductions afterwards, with the Chargers awarding Hopkins the game ball for his heroic act.
Hopkins made four game-winning field goals in seven years in Washington, including Washington's Week 2 win against the Giants in September.
