Although there is a dark cloud looming over the Los Angeles Rams as they get ready to finish the 2016 NFL season with another losing record for the 13th year in a row, there has actually been a few bright spots.
One of them being All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker, who is currently in the midst of perhaps the greatest season in league history. On Christmas Eve, Hekker set the all-time record for punts inside the 20-yard line with his 47th on the season, breaking the mark previously held by Arizona Cardinals punter Dave Zastudil in 2012.
Hekker spoke withMichael Duarte of NBC LA to give his thoughts on making history:
“The number really snuck up on us,” Hekker said. “We didn’t even really think about it until probably the last weeks, when we were like, ‘Hey, damn, we’re at 40.’ We’re just trying to do what we can to help this team. If records come with that, that’s a positive.”
Perhaps what was even more impressive is that he only needed 85 attempts to achieve this feat compared to Zastudil’s 112. Furthermore, Hekker is also the league leader in punting average and has also managed two 75-yard punts this season on his way to being voted to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his young career.
While Rams fans hope to see less of Hekker trying to bail out the offense next season, it is encouraging to see at least one facet of the game plan finally come to fruition.
