Skip to main content

Advertising

Brian Burns, Johnny Hekker named to All-NFC team by PFWA

Jan 23, 2023 at 02:21 PM

Author Image

Augusta Stone

Johnny Hekker, Brian Burns

CHARLOTTE – Two Panthers received postseason honors Monday.

Defensive end Brian Burns and punter Johnny Hekker were selected to the Professional Football Writers of America's 2022 All-NFC team for their performances last year.

Burns put up big numbers in his fourth season with Carolina, wrapping up 12.5 sacks, 63 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits in 16 games this season – all career highs.

Burns finished the year eighth in the league in tackles for loss and ninth in sacks, eclipsing the double-digit mark for the first time in his career.

Hekker made an immediate impact in his first season with the Panthers. The 2010s NFL All-Decade punter signed with Carolina after a 10-year stint with the Rams, and he broke a franchise record in his first year with the Panthers.

Hekker knocked 39 punts inside the 20-yard line this season, leading the NFL and beating the previous best in a single season when Todd Sauerbrun placed 35 punts inside the 20 in 2001. Hekker landed 48.1 percent of his punts inside the 20, second in the league to the 49ers' Mitch Wishnowsky.

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

1 / 25

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

2 / 25

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

Chanelle Smith-Walker/Carolina Panthers

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

3 / 25

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

Chanelle Smith-Walker/Carolina Panthers

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

4 / 25

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

Chanelle Smith-Walker/Carolina Panthers

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

5 / 25

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

Chanelle Smith-Walker/Carolina Panthers

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

6 / 25

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

Chanelle Smith-Walker/Carolina Panthers

LB - 40 - Brandon Smith

7 / 25

LB - 40 - Brandon Smith

Chanelle Smith-Walker/Carolina Panthers

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

8 / 25

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

Chanelle Smith-Walker/Carolina Panthers

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

9 / 25

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

Chanelle Smith-Walker/Carolina Panthers

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

10 / 25

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

11 / 25

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

Carolina Panthers

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

12 / 25

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

Carolina Panthers

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

13 / 25

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

Carolina Panthers

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

14 / 25

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

Carolina Panthers

LB - 57 - Damien Wilson

15 / 25

LB - 57 - Damien Wilson

Chanelle Smith-Walker/Carolina Panthers

LB - 55 - Cory Littleton

16 / 25

LB - 55 - Cory Littleton

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

17 / 25

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

Kenny Richmond

LB - 40 - Brandon Smith

18 / 25

LB - 40 - Brandon Smith

Carolina Panthers

LB - 55 - Cory Littleton

19 / 25

LB - 55 - Cory Littleton

Kenny Richmond/Carolina Panthers

LB - 40 - Brandon Smith

20 / 25

LB - 40 - Brandon Smith

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

21 / 25

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

LB - 40 - Brandon Smith

22 / 25

LB - 40 - Brandon Smith

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

23 / 25

LB - 7 - Shaq Thompson

Chanelle Smith-Walker/Carolina Panthers

LB - 40 - Brandon Smith

24 / 25

LB - 40 - Brandon Smith

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

25 / 25

LB - 49 - Frankie Luvu

Advertising

This Ad will close in 3

Related Content

Panthers waive defensive end

The team waived veteran Jonathan Harris, who had appeared in seven games after being signed off the Dolphins practice squad.

"Don't miss your shot:" How an unexpected group delivered a win

Dave Canales talked about opportunity. And the Panthers beat the Cardinals with an ever-increasing number of people — and at least one virus — playing roles no one imagined.

Inside The Numbers: Panthers vs Cardinals in Week 16

A look at some of the key stats from the game, as well as the snap counts from Sunday's win against the Cardinals in Week 16.

For Bryce Young, taking a shot and popping up is part of the job

The Panthers quarterback showed some wheels, and showed some toughness in a 36-30 overtime win against the Cardinals, as he continues to grow into his role.

Chuba Hubbard gets his run to redemption, built on trust

The Panthers trust their lead back implicitly, and he paid them back with the overtime-game winner Sunday afternoon. Just like they expected him to.

Rapid Reactions: Panthers run to overtime win over the Cardinals

They hung on for a 36-30 win over the Cardinals, with Chuba Hubbard scoring the game-winner to cap a 152-yard day.

Week 16 Inactives vs. Arizona

Rookie wideout Xavier Legette won't play because of a groin injury, veteran safety Jordan Fuller is inactive this week, and Cade Mays is out because of an illness.

5 things to watch in the Panthers final home game of the season

The Panthers defense is tasked with a two-headed rushing attack in the Cardinals. But as the weather cools down, can that work in Carolina's favor?

Ticketmaster provides seats for groups impacted by Hurricane Helene

A chance to attend a game became a step toward normalcy for those who experienced the flooding in Western North Carolina and Tennessee.

Legend of the Year: Steve Smith Sr.

The former Panthers wide receiver is being recognized for his off-field endeavors, as well as his involvement with the team's alumni program.

Week 16 Friday Injury Report: Xavier Legette out this week

The Panthers will be without the rookie receiver, and a number of other starters are listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Panthers will lean on Jon Rhattigan, Jacoby Windmon for depleted defense

With two linebackers going on injured reserve this week, the Panthers are turning to Jon Rhattigan and Jacoby Windmon to show all they've learned so far.

Advertising