NASHVILLE – Johnny Hekker signed with the St. Louis Rams as a rookie free agent way back on May 8, 2012.
Over 13 years later, the veteran punter is headed into his 14th NFL season, now with the Titans.
In his career, Hekker has punted the ball for 45,052 yards – or 25.6 miles – in 212 games.
And, he's still going strong.
How has he done it?
"I'd say every day is a gift from the Lord," Hekker said with a smile. "I'm not going to shy away from the fact that I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my loving wife, and God directing people into my life to be a positive influence on me and showing me the way to be a pro, to take care of my body, be humble and serve every opportunity that you get.
"So, how you have a long career is taking every day like you don't get another one. So, I'm just having fun, and trying to make an impact however I can. And, trying to be a use to this organization in every imaginable way."
The Titans signed the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Hekker earlier this offseason.
The Oregon State product spent 10 seasons with the Rams, in St. Louis and Los Angeles, before spending three years with the Carolina Panthers from 2022-24.
He's known for his net punt skills, and his ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory. And, for his engaging personality.
Hekker has punted the ball 963 times in his career for a 46.8 gross average, with 378 punts placed inside the 20-yard line, and a 42.9 career net punting average.
Hekker was named to the NFL's 2010's All-Decade Team and he's been an All-Pro first teamer on four occasions (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017), and a second-team All-Pro on two occasions (2018, 2014), in addition to being named a four-time Pro Bowler (2017, 2016, 2015, 2013).
Hekker said he was excited about the chance to join the Titans, in part because the team's new special teams coordinator, John Fassel, is one of the guys that God put in his life to help him. The two are now reunited, after spending time together with the Rams.
"It was an opportunity to come and be somewhere where my contributions will hopefully help a team turn the page into a bright future," Hekker said. "And being reunited with Bones (Fassel) had a huge part to do with it, too, the impact he's had on my career, from my time with him, and him coaching against me. Even then I could still pick his brain and still be a friend. We've always had a great relationship.
"So, the door being open to join him again was a dream come true. I'm just thankful to be on a team that's hungry to improve and turn the tides here. Excited about the future of the program. I'm excited to be a Titan."
Hekker first started punting at Bothell High School in Washington, and he was the starting quarterback of a team that advanced to the state championship during his senior year.
Looking back, Hekker said the reason he began punting was as simple as this: "My coach trusted me back there to catch the snap and get (the ball) off."
Hekker began training more seriously headed into his freshman year of college at Oregon State.
"And I never looked back," he said. "I realized it was a great gig."
Hekker has made the most of it, ranking among the league's best in net yards over his career.
Hekker played in every game for Los Angeles (161) from 2012-21, making 727 punts for a net average of 42.87 with a long of 78 yards and 300 punts inside the 20. In 2016, he set NFL record with 53 punts inside the 20 with just one touchback and had a league-best 4,508 net yards for 46.0 net average, breaking the NFL single-season record for net punt yards. In 2021, Hekker helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI as he punted six times for 261 yards in the title game.
In the last three seasons with the Panthers, he averaged 45.7 yards on 73 punts in 2024, with a 41.5-yard net.
Hekker has also been used for some special teams trickery during his career, as he's completed 15-of-26 passes for 193 yards with a touchdown and interception in his career, with 12 of the completions going for first downs. His career passer rating is 77.9.
"It's a ton of fun," Hekker said of being used on trick plays. "I wish I could have completed every one of them, but it's a ton of fun to go out there and be a part of the game plan, and knowing, aside from just punting, you could have an opportunity to extend offensive drives and get the juice going for the guys."
Hekker aims to keep doing his thing in Tennessee, where he'll show off his all-around skills.
Mostly by punting.
"To punt in today's NFL, you have to be well-rounded in a lot of different areas," Hekker said. "I pride myself in being great directionally, I really try to hang my hat on that, where we tell our guys where I'm going to punt the ball, and put it over there. Also, having some kind of misdirection stuff, too, to keep punt returners guessing.
"I've tried to develop those things over the course of my career, and I still try to add things to the bag. And, I'm still having fun doing it."
