Rams Johnny Hekker switches numbers, remembers Mike Sadler
Rams punter Johnny Hekker has switched jersey numbers at training camp to honor former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler.
Sadler and Nebraska punter Sam Foltz were killed in a car crash after working at a kicking clinic in Wisconsin last month. LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye was also injured in the accident.
“I just couldn’t help but ask coach if I could wear the number just to honor him during training camp because it means that much to me,” said Hekker, wearing No. 3 instead of No. 6, after practice Monday.
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Hekker, a fifth-year pro from Oregon State, met Sadler before his freshman season at Michigan State and trained with him for five years.
He said Sadler could “light up a room” and “had more wit than an entire ‘SNL’ cast.”
“Mike was always one of those guys making you better,” Hekker said. “He was a great, great punter so of course you’d see him hit a bomb and you’d want to hit one as well and you’d see Mike opening up his books and getting into his studies and you’d be like, ‘Man, maybe I should be a little more serious about my schoolwork.’”
Sadler started four seasons at Michigan State and was a four-time Academic All-American.
Foltz was a three-year starter at Nebraska and was named the Big Ten’s punter of the year last season.
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