Johnny Hekker joins Vikings, reuniting with coach Kevin O'Connell
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 22, 2026, 11:50 PM
Last updated Sep 22, 2026

Former Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker has signed with the Minnesota Vikings after being released in August. Hekker reunites with head coach Kevin O'Connell, a former Rams offensive coordinator. His signing comes as the Rams' special teams struggles early in the season, ranking near the bottom of the league. Hekker was one of the final candidates for the position, filling in for injured punter Brett Thorson. The Vikings are currently looking to solidify their roster options as they prepare for upcoming games.
- •Hekker spent 10 years with the Rams before joining the Vikings.
- •He earned four Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Rams.
- •The Vikings signed Hekker after evaluating multiple candidates for punter.
- •The Rams rank last in special teams DVOA early in the season.
- •Hekker will play a key role in Vikings' playoff aspirations.
- 11:50 PMYahoo Sports — Rams Super Bowl Champion Reunites With Former Coach in Deal to Join NFC Rival
"Former Los Angeles Rams All-Pro Johnny Hekker has found a new home with an early season contender in the NFC. The post Rams Super Bowl Champion Reunites With Former Coach in Deal to Join NFC Rival appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Sep 23, 2026, 7:38 AMFormer Steeler Ben Roethlisberger shares how he'd handle the DK Metcalf issue
NFL•Sep 23, 2026, 7:33 AMOdell Beckham Jr. Reacts to Giants Teammate Jaxson Dart’s Injury
NFL•Sep 23, 2026, 7:15 AM2 quarterback trades Giants must consider after Jaxson Dart injury
NFL•Sep 23, 2026, 7:05 AMPatriots news: Adam Vinatieri makes Guinness World FG record 5 years after retiring
NFL•Sep 23, 2026, 6:49 AMSeahawks’ $44 Million, 11-Year Veteran Earns ‘Heartbeat’ Label After Cardinals Performance
NFL•Sep 23, 2026, 6:15 AMTitans’ Robert Saleh Faces Alarming Kickoff Stat After Last-Second Eagles Loss
