Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Johnny Hekker

Discover the career path of Johnny Hekker, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

John Hekker is a prominent American football punter currently playing for the Carolina Panthers. Previously with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams after joining as an undrafted free agent in 2012 out of Oregon State, Hekker has achieved significant recognition in the NFL. He's been named a First-team All-Pro four times and selected for the Pro Bowl on four occasions. Notably, Hekker holds the NFL record for the longest punt in Super Bowl history, a 65-yard kick during Super Bowl LIII.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2008: Sun Bowl Special Teams MVP

In 2008, Hekker was named the Sun Bowl Special Teams MVP for Oregon State after averaging 45 yards on 10 punts in a 3-0 win.

2010: 74-Yard Punt Against USC

In 2010, Hekker had a memorable kick which was the second-longest punt in school history, going for 74 yards against USC.

2010: Punts of 50+ Yards

In 2010, Hekker had at least one punt of 50+ yards in every game but one.

2011: Single-Game School Record

In 2011, as a Beaver, Hekker set a single-game school record with a 52.5 average (six punts for 315 yards) against the Utah Utes.

2012: Signed with the St. Louis Rams

In 2012, Hekker was signed as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Rams.

December 29, 2013: Broke Single Season Record

On December 29, 2013, Hekker officially broke the single season record for net punt yards (44.2).

October 19, 2014: Pass on a Fake Punt

On October 19, 2014, Hekker threw a pass to Benny Cunningham on a fake punt with 1:14 left in a game against the Seahawks.

December 5, 2014: Contract Extension with Rams

On December 5, 2014, Hekker agreed to a six-year, $18 million contract extension with $9 million guaranteed with the Rams.

December 27, 2015: Unnecessary Roughness Penalty

On December 27, 2015, Hekker received a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness for shoving Cliff Avril during a game against the Seahawks.

2015: All-Pro Selection

In 2015, Hekker led the league in net punting average and was named as an All-Pro by the Associated Press for the second time and named to the Pro Bowl.

2016: NFL Records Set

In 2016, Hekker set NFL records for punts downed inside the 20 (51), had only one touchback, and broke his own record for net punting yardage (46.0).

2016: Third Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selection

In 2016, Hekker was named to his third Pro Bowl and his third First-team All-Pro, finishing with a league-leading 4,680 net yards.

September 11, 2017: Contract Extension with the Rams

On September 11, 2017, Hekker signed a two-year contract extension with the Rams through the 2022 season.

December 19, 2017: Fourth Pro Bowl Selection

On December 19, 2017, Hekker was named to his fourth Pro Bowl and earned First Team All-Pro honors.

2017: Playoff Debut

In 2017, the Rams made the playoffs, and Hekker made his playoff debut with five punts for 218 net yards in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

2018: Career-Low Punts

In 2018, Hekker punted a career-low 43 times due to the Rams' prolific offense and missed Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors for the first time since 2014.