Ernie Hughes

Ernest Loyal Hughes Jr. (born January 24, 1955) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive lineman for five seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants. He was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 1978 NFL draft after playing college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Early life and college Ernest Loyal Hughes Jr. was born on January 24, 1955, in Boise, Idaho. He attended Capital High School in Boise.

Hughes played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the University of Notre Dame from 1974 to 1977. The 1977 Fighting Irish were consensus national champions.

Professional career Hughes was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round, with the 79th overall pick, of the 1978 NFL draft. He played in 15 games, starting 11, during his rookie year in 1978. Hughes was released three days later, without appearing in a game, after the team re-signed Dan Nugent. He started the first ten games of the 1981 season before being placed on injured reserve on November 10, 1981.