Early Life and High School

Johnny Robert Hekker was born on February 8, 1990, in Redmond, Washington. He attended Bothell High School in Bothell, Washington, where he played as the starting quarterback for the Cougars football team during his senior year. Under his leadership, the team reached the Washington State Championship game, though they ultimately fell short of claiming the title. Hekker graduated from high school in 2008.

College Career at Oregon State

Hekker played college football for Oregon State University, where he showcased his exceptional punting skills. One of his career highlights came during the 2008 Sun Bowl, where he was named the Special Teams MVP. In that game, he averaged 45 yards on 10 punts, including crucial punts of 57 and 52 yards late in the fourth quarter, helping secure a 3–0 victory over the University of Pittsburgh.

Professional Football Career in the NFL

Despite going undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, Hekker was signed by the then-St. Louis Rams (now Los Angeles Rams). He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier punters thanks to his combination of accuracy, distance, and situational awareness on the field. Over his NFL career, Hekker has earned numerous accolades, including four First Team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl appearances.

Record-Breaking Super Bowl Moment

One of Hekker's most notable achievements came during Super Bowl LIII, where he set the record for the longest punt in Super Bowl history with a 65-yard effort. This play solidified his reputation as one of the most dependable special teams players in the league.

Current Team: Carolina Panthers

Although best known for his time with the Los Angeles Rams, Hekker joined the Carolina Panthers in 2022 as their starting punter. He continues to be a valuable asset on special teams and is widely regarded as one of the most skilled punters in NFL history.