Hunkie Cooper was the son of a military veteran and the youngest, and shortest, of 9 children. He received the name Hernandez from a pact his father had made to his best friend prior to the Vietnam War. The pact they made said that if either were to die, the other would name his next child after him.
Hunkie went on to play at Navarro College in Texas where he led the Bulldogs to a NJCAA national championship in 1989. He soon transferred to University of Nevada, Las Vegas. At UNLV, he played six different positions, and he was a two-time All-Big West Conference selection. In a dramatic beginning to D1 Football in Hunkie's first game for Head Coach Jim Strong's UNLV Rebel's he scored Four Touchdowns from all over the field in the season opener verses Southwest Missouri. As a punt returner during his senior season he was selected as an All-American. He received a B.A. in Criminal Law and Education in 1991.
Professional career
Arizona Rattlers
After his time at UNLV, Hunkie believed his football career was over, so he took a job at a Las Vegas area casino. He tried playing in the Canadian Football League, but was not very successful. One day at work, Arizona Rattlers Director of Player Personnel Pete Kettela asked him if he would like to sign a contract with the Rattlers organization.
1993–1997
Cooper arrived at camp as a fourth string receiver but quickly worked his way up the depth chart. By the end of the year he was selected as the league MVP, and an all-star as an Offensive Specialist while breaking the AFL record for kickoff return yards with 1423 yards. In 1994, Cooper helped take the team to their first ArenaBowl appearance, which they won 36–31. In 1996, a year after making the transition to a two way receiver and linebacker, he was selected as an all star once again. In 1997, Cooper was a second team all star selection. He helped lead the team to their second ArenaBowl win and was voted as Ironman of the game after catching a 30-yard touchdown pass, returning a kick for a touchdown, and returning an interception for a touchdown.
1998–2001
He was voted Tinactin Ironman of the Year, Second Team All-Arena - WR/LB, and All-Ironman Team in 1999. He was again voted Tinactin Ironman of the Year, First Team All-Arena - WR/LB, and All-Ironman Team - WR/LB, in 2000. In 2001, he was again selected to the All-Ironman Team - WR/LB and for the first time was a First Team member of the 15th Anniversary Team - WR/LB.
2002–2005
On March 20, 2002, Cooper re-signed with the Rattlers. He helped lead the team to three consecutive appearances in the ArenaBowl. Cooper began the 2005 season on Injured Reserve, missing the first two games of the season with a quadriceps injury. He soon retired after being cut.
Retirement
After being cut by the Rattlers in 2005, he decided to retire. On May 6, 2005, the Arizona Rattlers retired his #14. Cooper was elected into the Arena Football Hall of Fame in the 2011 class.
Stats
Cooper is one of only two players to earn both AFL MVP and Ironman of the Year awards in a career. He is also one of two players to earn Ironman awards twice. He finished his career as Arizona's all-time leader in receiving yards, receptions, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries and touchdowns. Cooper is also the Arena Football League's all-time leader in all-purpose yardage and kickoff returns.
In 2008, Cooper was demoted to defensive backs coach under new Blaze head coach Ron James. After the Blaze started the season 0–5, Cooper was relieved of his coaching duties.
High school coaching
While coaching with the Utah Blaze, Hunkie also served as an assistant coach with Canyon Springs High School in Las Vegas. In 2009 Hunkie was named the head coach at Canyon Springs High School and was also named Coach of the Year. He also served as an assistant coach at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.
Cooper resides in North Las Vegas, Nevada. Hunkie is married to his wife, Tiffany and has six children: Nigel, Dirik, Simone, Brianna, A.J., and Destini.
