When searching for a new kicker, teams don’t immediately ask their punter for advice. And so Johnny Hekker didn’t wait for Sean McVay and John Bonamego to ask for his input. He decided to chime in and help the Rams in their hunt for someone to make field goals and extra points.
He texted McVay and suggested that L.A. sign Matt Gay, who was a free agent up until last week. The Rams wound up signing Gay, and he rewarded them by making a 40-yard game-winning field goal against the Buccaneers on Monday night.
Gay shared that bit of information after the victory, appreciating Hekker’s recommendation.
Rams K Matt Gay said P Johnny Hekker personally texted Sean McVay recommending they sign him.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) November 24, 2020
Gay did miss a 44-yarder earlier in the game, but he made up for it by drilling the 40-yarder when it mattered most. Hekker was perfect on his holds for Gay, as usual, and he’ll likely get a chance to hold for the second-year kicker a little while longer, too.
If Gay can give the Rams some consistency at kicker, it’ll allow McVay to sleep a little bit better at night.