Michael Hoecht doesn’t get a lot of attention on a Rams defense that’s full of young stars. However, the fourth-year player has carved out a role for himself in Los Angeles after transitioning from defensive tackle to edge rusher in the last three seasons.
While he may not put up huge numbers or stand out in the highlight reels, he is an integral part of the defense and the Rams’ locker room. If nothing else, he always brings the energy and he now has the haircut to match it.
Hoecht was mic’d up against the Saints on Sunday and he debuted a fresh mohawk in the Big Easy. It’s a fitting look for a guy who’s always going 100 mph, as evidenced in the video below. He’s always talking on the sidelines and pumping up his teammates, even headbutting their shoulder pads a couple of times – because that’s apparently what he does.
One of the funnier moments in the video came during an exchange with Saints tight end Foster Moreau after Hoecht got shoved by another player after the whistle.
“He’s pushing late!” Hoecht said.
“Yeah, well, he is. But come on, don’t push him back,” Moreau chimed in.
“All right,” Hoecht said, acknowledging the tight end’s point.
It’s hard not to root for a player like Hoecht who seems to be the ultimate teammate and someone who’s willing to play whatever role the Rams ask him to.