The Minnesota Vikings have settled their punting competition, with veteran Johnny Hekker reportedly released and rookie Brett Thorson winning the job.
Thorson went undrafted out of Georgia after winning the Ray Guy Award last season as college football’s top punter. The Australian averaged 45.5 yards per punt in 2025.
Johnny Hekker’s NFL career
Hekker, 36, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time first-team All-Pro. He has played for the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans.
Thorson will replace Ryan Wright, who held Minnesota’s punting job from 2022 through 2025 before signing with the New Orleans Saints in free agency.
Source: www.nbcsports.com
