Roland Hooks


Roland L. Hooks is a former American football running back in the NFL who played for the Buffalo Bills. He played college football at North Carolina State University.

Early years

Hooks attended West Craven High School. He accepted a football scholarship from North Carolina State University.
As a sophomore in 1972, when Lou Holtz arrived as the new head coach at North Carolina State University, he implemented split-back veer offense to take advantage of the talent at running back, that included Hooks, Stan Fritts, Willie Burden and Charley Young. At the time, this was arguably the best group of running backs in the nation, they were known as "The Four Stallions" and everyone of them went on to play in a professional football league. He posted 62 carries for 283 yards, a 4.6-yard average and 2 rushing touchdowns.
As a junior in 1973, he was part of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship team as a halfback. He registered 48 carries for 235 yards, a 4.9-yard average and one rushing touchdown.
As a senior in 1974, he was second on the team behind Fritts with 136 carries for 850 yards, a 6.3-yard average and 9 rushing touchdowns. He finished his college career with 246 carries for 1,368 yards, a 5.6-yard average and 12 rushing touchdowns.

Professional career

Hooks was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 10th round of the 1975 NFL Draft.
He scored four touchdowns in a single half on his first four carries against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 9, 1979.
Hooks might be best known for a Hail Mary catch he made against the New England Patriots on November 22, 1981. The 36-yard touchdown pass from Bills quarterback Joe Ferguson as time expired won the game for Buffalo, 20-17. The win proved to be crucial in giving Buffalo the final playoff spot in the AFC in 1981.

Personal life

Hooks is currently a running back coach at Galena High School in Reno, Nevada.