Punters are people, too. It's a tough concept to swallow, we know, but you should show respect for the weakest players on the football field. Why? For one, they're making bank. Case in point: The St. Louis Rams just announced the signing of Johnny Hekker for $18 million over six years including $9 million guaranteed (!!!).
In a nod to the Rich Eisen-inspired movement, the subject line for the Rams' press release read as follows: "PUNTERS GET PAID LIKE PEOPLE, TOO."
It was a breezy wink from a team that was embroiled in controversy this past weekend.
Here's the brass tacks of Hekker's deal (via SB Nation): "The St. Louis Rams announced Friday that P Johnny Hekker, who is tied for the NFL lead in completion percentage this season, has signed a six-year extension that will keep him with the team through the 2020 season. Prior to signing the new deal, Hekker was scheduled to become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2014 campaign."
Hekker spoke to SB earlier this year about his punting life.
"I don't think there are many better situations to be on an NFL team and not be the most physically exerted guy around," he said. "You're going to watch a lot of practice. You get to hang out with some of the best athletes in the world. You have a very lax meeting schedule. I'm not saying we don't do any film; I'm just saying it pales in comparison to the vigorous film breakdowns and meeting schedules for the skill position guys."
What does he do with all that free time?
"I get to read," he said. "The down time is probably the biggest perk to being a punter. If you asked my teammates they'd probably say the same."
