He started out with the Fort Pitt Panthers of the United States Amateur Hockey Association in 1924-25 before signing with the Maroons in 1925-26. After that season Brophy spent time in the minors until he was traded to the Detroit Cougars in 1928. He played 52 games over two seasons for the NHL team. After that Brophy played six seasons in the International Hockey League. From 1936-39, Brophy played and coached for the intermediate Collingwood Shipbuilders of the Ontario Hockey Association. In 1938-39 his team won the provincial Intermediate A championship. He retired after that season.