Hughes redshirted during his first year playing for Oregon State in 2004.[3] He became a starting cornerback for the Beavers in his redshirt freshman season.[4] Hughes and two other players were ejected from a November 10, 2007, game against Washington for a skirmish after a play.[5] He recorded 57 tackles and 12 pass deflections in 2007.[6] Hughes was named to the Jim Thorpe Award watchlist before his senior season in 2008.[6] He was selected to the 2009 East–West Shrine Game following his college career[7] in which he recorded 178 tackles and three interceptions.[8]
Hughes was signed off the Giants' practice squad by the Philadelphia Eagles on November 23, 2010, to fill the slot vacated after cornerbackEllis Hobbs was placed on the injured reserve.[15] He played in one game in 2010, the final game of the season as the Eagles rested their starters in preparation for the playoffs.[16] In 2011, Hughes played in 13 games, started one, and recorded 16 tackles throughout those games.
On September 23, 2012, the Eagles announced that they signed Hughes to a one-year extension. On September 7, 2013, Hughes was released by the Eagles. On September 10, 2013, Hughes was re-signed by the Eagles. On September 23, 2013, Hughes was released by the Eagles with an injury settlement.
Cleveland Browns
Hughes signed with the Cleveland Browns on January 2, 2014. Hughes was released from the Browns on May 12, 2014.[17]