Hooper was born in Pittington, County Durham. He played for West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Sunderland, Kettering Town, Dunstable Town and Heanor Town. He made more than 300 appearances in the Football League. He played for England at under-23 and "B" international level. He was in the full England squad at the 1954 FIFA World Cup but did not play.