The Tennessee Titans surprised quite a few fans when they decided to move on from punter Ryan Stonehouse. The young punter not only had a big leg, but he had also become a fan favorite during his time in Nashville.
To replace Stonehouse, the Titans opted for consistency and added potentially one of the best punters in NFL history: Johnny Hekker. The 13-year veteran, known more for placement than a booming leg, can bring an added dimension to the special teams units that struggled to hold their own in 2024.
Hekker recently spoke with Jim Wyatt and discussed his decision to join the Titans and why he left the Carolina Panthers for Nashville. Now heading into his 14th season, the choice was easy for the member of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team; he jumped at an opportunity to be reunited with new Titans special teams coordinator John Fassel.
"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 tide here. Excited about the future of the program. I'm excited to be a Titan."
Hekker broke into the league with the Los Angeles Rams under the tutelage of Fassel, who was his special-teams coordinator. Fassel coached Hecker with the Rams while he was punting for the team from 2012 to 2019, and reuniting with him was a massive draw to Nashville.
Still playing at a high level, Hekker is coming off another solid season in 2024, where he averaged 45.7 yards on 73 punts with a 41.5-yard net. But he is also excited about the possibility of showcasing his versatility, given his familiarity with Fassel’s reputation as a trickster. For his career, he’s completed 15-of-26 passes for 193 yards with a touchdown and one interception.
Whether that happens is yet to be seen, but even without completing a pass, Hekker’s presence should make for a more successful season for the Titans' punt coverage units.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans' Johnny Hekker on joining John Fassel: 'Dream come true'
