September 25, 2024
MADISON, S.D. – Tommy Hofer, a new inductee into the DSU Athletics Hall of Fame, was one of the most prolific wide receivers in Dakota State University Trojan football school history. He set numerous school records, collected many football awards, and played professional football briefly after graduation.
Hofer, a Lennox High School product, was a three-time Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC) All-Conference First Team recipient. He was a three-time NAIA Football All-American (Honorable Mention twice in 2003 and 2004).
Hofer held a single season school record with 85 receptions in 2003. A year later, he caught 68 passes for 945 yards with four touchdowns. He was second in the DAC Conference in receiving yards per game with an average of 94.5 yards.
Hofer and the Trojans squad had a memorable 2005 season, fueling a fourth-place tie finish in the tough DAC Football team with Jamestown (N.D.) and Minot State (N.D.). Highlights during his senior season included catching 10 passes for a total of 220 yards during DSU's 21-17 victory at Jamestown (N.D.). He finished his career at Trojan Field with eight receptions for 132 yards versus 19
th ranked Valley City State (N.D.).
Hofer was named the Dakota Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player and a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) First Team All-America in 2005.
During 2005, he hauled in 70 receptions and set a DSU school record for receiving yards in a season with 1,097 yards (later broken by Austin Opdahl with 1,121 yards in 2017). He led the DAC conference in receptions (70), receiving yards (1,097 yards) and touchdown catches (10). He averaged 109.7 yards per game during his final year at DSU, when he was selected as the school's Male Outstanding Athlete.
He finished his college career with 255 receptions, 3,456 receiving yards, and 26 touchdowns. He owned the DSU career records in all three categories at that time (until Austin Opdahl broke the career record in touchdown catches with 42 from 2014-17).
Hofer's all-time school records in receptions and receiving yards are still intact today at Dakota State. He also holds the single season record in receptions (85).
Since graduating from Dakota State in 2005, Hofer has had an exciting and fulfilling journey. He spent part of 2006 as a member of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he made the opening day roster before being released. He then played for the Sioux City Bandits and Sioux Falls Storm of the United Indoor Football (UIF), which allowed him to experience his passion for the sport at a higher level.
Hofer started coaching athletes in 2007 with the Air Attack Academy. After hanging up his football cleats in 2010, he channeled his love for fitness into a desire to help others achieve their health goals by opening and running a fitness club. He also stays connected to football by serving as an assistant coach for Washington High School, where he enjoys mentoring young athletes and sharing the knowledge he has gained over the years.
Hofer still has a deep passion for sports, especially football, and he has made fitness a priority in his life. He also enjoys golfing, spending quality time with friends and family, traveling to new places, and creating memories. Above all, Tommy cherishes the moments spent with his wife, Erin, and their beloved dog, Teddy. They reside in Brandon, S.D.
| 2024 Dakota State Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees Series |
| Monday, Sept. 23 |
Michelle (Butash) Daniels |
| Tuesday, Sept. 24 |
Brent Dowling |
| Wednesday, Sept. 25 |
Brad Gilbert |
| Wednesday, Sept. 25 |
Tommy Hofer |
| Thursday, Sept. 26 |
Mike Katen |
| Thursday, Sept. 26 |
Kim Nelson |
| Friday, Sept. 27 |
Jeff Rensch |
