The Los Angeles Rams have had some great players in their organization over the years, and the 2010s were certainly no exception.
Recently, the NFL announced the All-Decade Team for the 2010s, and two current Rams players were included in defensive tackle Aaron Donald and punter Johnny Hekker.
In an interview with Sarina Morales of TheRams.com, Hekker spoke about how humbled he was by the notion of being included on the list:
“It is definitely a huge honor. Receiving any sort of recognition from Hall of Fame members and people that have played this game at an elite level for long periods of time, is very humbling. It was also awesome to take some time and just think of the people that have sacrificed a ton of themselves for me to be able to have success. I thought of all my special teams brothers that made plays in coverage and caught the occasional fake, as well as coaches, trainers, strength staff and the countless other people that make our facility a place I enjoyed being around. It is absolutely an honor that they should take pride in having a part in it.”
Hekker has certainly earned his way on to the list. His career 47 yards per punt rank as the second-highest by any punter in NFL history. Although he has only been in the league for eight years, he also ranks 67th on the total punting yards list.
Hekker has been with the Rams his entire career thus far after going undrafted out of Oregon State. He spent four years with the Beavers, averaging 41 yards per punt.
The 2020 season should be a bit different for Hekker as for the first time in his career he will no longer be playing alongside kicker Greg Zuerlein, who joined the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. Furthermore, the Rams have brought in a new special teams coordinator in John Bonamego to John Fassel, who will be joining Zuerlein in Dallas.
Although a lot of change is coming his way, Hekker is certainly ready for anything. He has been one of the most consistent pieces of the Rams for the past eight years and still has many more strong years in front of him.
