Ballad of Billy Joe: Hobert's timeline
Dec. 5, 1987: As a junior called Bill Hobert, he leads Puyallup High to the state championship with a dramatic 27-21 victory at Kingbowl over Gonzaga. Hobert passes for 374 yards and three TDs, including an 84-yard TD pass with 4:15 left.
Feb. 1989: Billy, as he calls himself, signs letter of intent to Washington and redshirts that fall.
Jan. 1 1991: Now called Billy Joe, he becomes the little-used understudy to Rose Bowl MVP Mark Brunell and the UW's backup punter. In the Rose Bowl, Billy Joe is 0 for 3 passing with an interception.
Jan. 1, 1992: Shares co-MVP in UW's Rose Bowl victory over Michigan. That caps an outstanding sophomore season in which Hobert passes for 2,271 yards and 22 TDs as the 12-0 Huskies share the national championship.
Nov. 5, 1992: A Seattle Times investigation reveals that Hobert received a $50,000 loan from an Idaho businessman that violated NCAA rules. Hobert says he spent the money during a three-month spree on cars, guns, audio equipment, golf clubs and wild weekends.
Nov. 9, 1992: Washington rules Hobert ineligible, but the Pac-10 eventually lets all the team's victories stand and allows the Huskies to play in the Rose Bowl.
Dec. 14, 1992: His 1992 Chevy Camaro, bought with the illegal loan, is stolen and found stripped of parts and sprayed with bullets and the following message: "You can't afford this, B.J."
March 15, 1993: Tries out for the Mariners, one of several major-league baseball teams he worked out for. Verdict: Good arm, good bat, crude infield skills.
April 25, 1993: Selected by the Los Angeles Raiders in the third round of the NFL draft, two rounds earlier than future All-Pro Brunell.
June 21, 1993: Signs minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox, who draft him in the 16th round, and plays three weeks in Sarasota, Fla.
July 12, 1993: Hobert signs with the Raiders and reports to his first NFL camp. "I'm done with being a hot-shot, big-mouth guy," he says.
Aug. 21, 1993: The Pac-10 places Washington's football program on probation. The sanctions include no bowl games for two years, reduced TV revenue and scholarships. UW football coach Don James resigns.
Sept. 9, 1993: Returns with the Raiders as a backup for a season-opening game against the Seahawks amid beefed-up security at the Kingdome. Hobert doesn't play but has insults and objects tossed at him by fans as he stands on the sideline. "I was impressed," he says. "Some of those guys have good arms."
Dec. 10 1995: Starts his first NFL game against Pittsburgh, completing 20 of 37 passes for 162 yards, but has four interceptions and no TDs.
Feb. 16, 1997: Traded to Buffalo for third-round pick.
Aug. 7, 1997: Says he feels betrayed by the Bills because he isn't getting a chance to start. "I can take a hint," he says.
Oct. 15, 1997: The Bills waive Hobert two days after he admits he was unprepared for an injury to starter Todd Collins.
Nov. 19, 1997: Signed by New Orleans Saints.
Sept. 19, 1999: Enjoys one of his best games as a pro, hitting 20 of 37 passes for 233 yards with three TDs and two interceptions in a win over the 49ers.
Dec. 12, 2000: Released by Saints.
Aug. 3, 2000: Signs contract with Colts as backup to Peyton Manning, but doesn't play a down.
Sept. 2, 2001: Released by Colts, ending career.