New Vikings Add Sends Along a Message: “Buckle Up”
If you’re in the habit of going to the fridge (or concession stand) once the punt team jogs onto the field, then Johnny Hekker would like a word.
The new Vikings add is known as a great punter. Even more fascinating is that he’s a playmaker who is capable of throwing the ball, thereby giving his team some options if there’s a desire to get frisky on 4th Down. Hekker apparently has some boldness and confidence, as evidenced by the message he sent along in a recent clip.
New Vikings Add Johnny Hekker Looking to Shine
Admittedly, the word arrives from within a short video.
The team’s official social media sends along a manicured, bite-sized video of the specialist putting pen to paper. Doing so builds some modest hype while functioning as an online welcome for the player being grafted onto the roster. What’s fascinating is the message that gets shoehorned into the end of the video: “When 3rd Down turns to 4th, buckle up.”
Before going too far, consider some of the basics on the veteran punter.
He stands at 6’5″ and weighs 225 pounds. Add some more muscle to his frame and he would look more like a tight end than a punter.
He first entered the NFL in 2012, the same year that Harrison Smith turned pro. Since then, Hekker has been sent to the Pro Bowl four times. On a pair of occasions, Hekker has been a second-team All Pro. On four occasions, Hekker has been a first-team All Pro. Do note, though, that all of these honors arrived in 2018 or earlier.
Last season, Hekker put together a modest season for the Tennessee Titans. His 78 punts went for 3,653 yards, working out to a 46.8 yards-per-punt average. Part of the problem is that his team only gained 40.3 yards per punt. Similarly negative was the career-worst 7 touchbacks.
Ryan Wright did significantly better. The former Viking (now a Saint) launched 69 punts for a total of 3,184 yards, working out to a 49.0 average. So, more raw power. Consider, as well, that Wright had his average punt give his team an added 44.5 yards, a nice boost in the field position battle that’s more than 4 yards better than the new Vikings add. Finally, Wright’s touchbacks came in at 3.
On a basic level, the Vikings have shifted away from a young punter to an older punter who didn’t offer equivalent power and precision in 2025. The exchange doesn’t sound particularly promising.
What must be remembered is that the veteran is playing on a single-season deal for just $1,262,500 on the cap. Wright, in contrast, is working on a four-year agreement totalling $14 million.
The Vikings are hoping that booting the ball inside the Bank — a stadium means there’s never a need to worry about rain, wind, and/or snow — helps the 36-year-old punter. Similarly, the work of Tavierre Thomas and Tai Felton makes punters look good since they’re such tremendous gunners.
Finally, it doesn’t hurt to have Matt Daniels calling the shots, someone who has proven to be a very good coordinator. Andrew DePaola, the long snapper, is the gold standard in the NFL for his position. Hekker, in other words, should have all he needs to succeed.
A final note to consider is that Johnny Hekker has tossed a pass or two in his day. His career has involved going 15/26 (57.7%) for 193 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Maybe Coach Daniels can scheme up some fancy trick plays in the 2026 season.
Buckle up when 4th Down approaches.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
