Vikings select Brett Thorson as punter over veteran Johnny Hekker
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 5:43 PM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings have finalized their punter roster spot following a training camp competition. Rookie Brett Thorson, an undrafted player from Georgia, earned the starting position. The team chose to move on from 36-year-old veteran Johnny Hekker, a four-time Pro Bowl selection. Thorson enters the roster to fill the vacancy left by Ryan Wright, who served as the team's punter from 2022 until signing with the New Orleans Saints in free agency. During his time at Georgia, Thorson received the Ray Guy Award and recorded a 45.5-yard punting average in 2025.
- •Brett Thorson secured the starting punter position for the Minnesota Vikings.
- •Veteran Johnny Hekker was released as part of the team's roster decision.
- •Thorson won the Ray Guy Award in 2025 at Georgia.
- •The Vikings move replaces former punter Ryan Wright who departed in free agency.
- 5:43 PMYahoo Sports — Vikings go with Brett Thorson over Johnny Hekker at punter
"The Vikings have resolved their punting competition.
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