Cheers for Rams Punter at Sunday's Game Against Falcons

LOS ANGELES, CA -- There was a bright spot Sunday in an otherwise lousy day for the the Los Angeles Rams.

Rams Punter Johnny Hekker was honored for being their 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for civic leadership at Sunday's 42-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Hekker received a $50,000 donation which he directed to The Grace Network, the organization founded by his brother-in-law Chris Stambaugh in 2009 to combat human trafficking.

Stambaugh received the check for the donation during a pregame ceremony on the field of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as part of what the team designated as its Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Game. The check was presented by Elise Buik, the president and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

An additional $50,000 will be donated in Hekker's name to help fund Character Playbook in Los Angeles, the NFL and United Way's digital education program that trains students on how to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships during middle school.

The Rams and United Way of Greater Los Angeles began Character Playbook in the Los Angeles area earlier this year at the Santee Education Complex, located south of downtown Los Angeles.

Funding for the donations comes from the NFL Foundation, the league's nonprofit organization which seeks to support the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football and the communities supporting the sport; the insurance and financial services firm Nationwide; and United Way Worldwide, which describes itself as the world's largest privately funded nonprofit organization, seeking to improve the health, education and financial stability of every person in the community.

Hekker was selected as the team's nominee for the leaguewide award for his participation in such events as the Rams Play 60 Field Day, NFL Draft Party and the Taste of the NFL.

Hekker is the team's representative for Waterboys, an initiative founded by former teammate Chris Long which seeks to install wells to provide clean, accessible drinking water to rural communities in East Africa.

Waterboys has funded 14 wells. Its goal is to install 32, representing each of the 32 NFL teams. Each well costs $45,000 to install, with $13,359 raised for the Rams well, according to Waterboys.

"There are so many things we take for granted living in an established, First World country," Hekker said. "To help other people experience those basic luxuries is a rewarding thing to be a part of."

When the Rams were based in St. Louis, Hekker served was state ambassador for Special Olympics Illinois, following his father's work with adults with developmental disorders.

Hekker was a board member of the St. Louis-based nonprofit organization Team Activities for Special Kids that offers year-round instructional sports programs providing athletic and social opportunities to children with special needs. Hekker made several visits to play with the children and help build their self-esteem.

Hekker signed with the Rams as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2012 out of Oregon State. He set the NFL record for single-season net punting average in 2013 with a 44.2-yard average and was selected for the Pro Bowl.

Hekker received his second Pro Bowl selection in 2015, when he led the league with a 43.7-yard net punting average.

Hekker lead the league with a 45.8-yard net punting average entering Sunday's play.

"The Rams and the Los Angeles community are fortunate to have Johnny Hekker as part of our collective team," said Molly Higgins, the Rams vice president of community affairs and engagement.

"Johnny embodies everything that you want in a player both on and off the field. As a professional athlete, he truly appreciates the platform he has to positively impact the community and the lives of others."

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field. The award was established in 1970 and renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton, is considered the league's most prestigious honor.

Three of the 32 team nominees will be selected as finalists for the leaguewide award, which will be announced Feb. 4.

-- City News Service, photo courtesy of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles