Johnny Hekker is set to be released by the Minnesota Vikings, according to Tom Pelissero, and that immediately makes the veteran punter a name to watch around the NFL.
Hekker has spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Rams, where he played from 2012-2021 and became one of the most decorated punters in the league. He was part of the Rams team that won Super Bowl LVI in his final appearance for the franchise, and his resume also includes four Pro Bowl selections and six-time All-Pro recognition.
Why Hekker still matters
The Rams are set at punter to start the season, but Hekker's situation is still worth tracking because familiarity has mattered for that organization before. In 2025, the Rams replaced Joshua Karty and Alex Ward in the middle of the season because of special teams issues, and months later Sean McVay parted ways with Chase Blackburn. That history helps explain why a veteran like Hekker would still draw attention if he became available.
There is also the larger question of where Hekker lands next. If the Vikings do move on as reported, he would give other teams a proven option with a long track record and plenty of high-end experience. For a player with a history that includes Super Bowl LVI and multiple individual honors, that kind of availability would not go unnoticed.
What comes next
For now, the Rams are expected to begin the season with their current punter situation intact. But if Hekker is released and available, teams looking for stability on special teams could at least consider him as an option. That is especially true for clubs that value experience and know what a player with his background can provide.
Hekker's next stop is not known yet, but the release would put a well-known veteran back into circulation at a position where reliability still matters.
