Johnny Hekker Bio
John Robert Hekker is an American professional football punter for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers and was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Hekker played ten seasons with the St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams from 2012 to 2021, appearing in Super Bowl LIII and winning in Super Bowl LVI. He played for the Carolina Panthers from 2022 to 2024. Hekker is a four-time First-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. He also holds the NFL record for longest punt in Super Bowl history, with a 65-yarder that he delivered in Super Bowl LIII.
Early Life and Background
Johnny Hekker was born on February 8, 1990, in Redmond, Washington. He attended Bothell High School in Bothell, Washington, where he graduated in 2008. During his senior year, he was the starting quarterback and punter for the Cougars football team, leading them to a State Championship game, which they ultimately lost. In addition to football, Hekker briefly played basketball during his senior year.
Path to American Football
Hekker played college football for the Oregon State Beavers while attending Oregon State University from 2008 to 2011. In 2008, he was named the Sun Bowl Special Teams MVP after averaging 45 yards on 10 punts in a victory over the Pitt Panthers. He was a four-year starter and finished his college career as one of Oregon State’s most prolific punters, setting a single-game school record with a 52.5 average against the Utah Utes in 2011. Hekker ranked third-best in career punt yardage in school history with a solid 41.3 yards average per punt.
Johnny Hekker Career
Early Career (2012–2021)
Johnny Hekker was signed as an undrafted free agent by the St. Louis Rams in 2012. He made an immediate impact, being nominated for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week during his second game after recording three punts for 163 yards. Hekker quickly became known for his versatility, even throwing a touchdown pass on a fake field goal against the Seattle Seahawks. In his rookie season, he finished with 82 punts for 3,756 net yards and an average of 45.8 yards per punt. Hekker’s performance earned him Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors in 2013, marking the beginning of a successful career.
Breakthrough (2013–2017)
Hekker’s breakthrough came in 2013 when he officially broke the single-season record for net punt yards. He continued to excel in subsequent seasons, earning Pro Bowl selections and First-team All-Pro honors in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In 2016, he set NFL records for punts downed inside the 20 and finished with a league-leading average of 47.76 yards per punt. His ability to perform under pressure was highlighted during his playoff debut in 2017, where he had five punts for 218 net yards.
Notable Works and Milestones
Hekker’s signature work includes his record-setting 65-yard punt in Super Bowl LIII, which solidified his reputation as one of the best punters in NFL history. He was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and has been recognized multiple times for his contributions to special teams.
Johnny Hekker Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Johnny Hekker has received numerous nominations for his outstanding performances, particularly in the Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
Johnny Hekker Awards Won
Hekker has won several prestigious awards, including being a four-time Pro Bowler and a four-time First-team All-Pro. He was also part of the team that won Super Bowl LVI.
Johnny Hekker Family
Johnny Hekker is married to Makayla, and together they have three children. Hekker values family life and often shares his experiences as a father.
Personal Life
Hekker is known to be a Christian and has been open about his faith. He balances his professional career with his family responsibilities and is actively involved in his children’s lives.