Johnny Hekker doesn’t get the same recognition as many of the Los Angeles Rams’ other stars, but he’s an integral part of the team and the locker room. A five-time captain, Hekker is truly a leader not only on special teams, but for everyone in the Rams’ building.
The All-Pro punter visited his alma mater and attended Oregon State’s practice over the weekend, sharing an inspirational message with current Beavers. Take a look in the video below as he preached being a great teammate and working hard to better the team.
“I’ve got a placard in my locker that my special teams coach gave me that says, ‘If every teammate was like me, how good of a team would we be?’ So I ask myself that sometimes when I open up my locker,” Hekker said. “If every teammate went into the locker room and worked out like I’m about to work out, how good is this workout going to be? How good are we going to become if everyone in the meal room picked up their dishes and did things the way I do it, how good is this cafeteria going to look when we’re all done?”
He doesn’t just preach working hard and helping teammates, but also urging players to treat everyone in at school with respect, from professors to cafeteria workers to the training staff. It’s a strong message that pertains to people in any field, not just sports.
Hekker also made sure to tell the players that his door is always open should they need advice or anything from him.
“You guys are all my family now. I still have a lot of names to learn, people to meet, but just know that if you need anything, I’m here for you. Once a Beav, always a Beav.”
