A fifth-year player, Lockette, 29, was running with Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones on punt coverage when Cowboys safety Jeff Heath hit him. On 1 November 2015, Lockette suffered a severe neck injury during a game against the Dallas Cowboys. This was a hard hit, but a CLEAN hit. Its nice to see a guy express some remorse, even though he did nothing wrong. They don't understand what kind of a man he is, and how much he does for his people in Oakland. I don't know him that well, but from what I heard about him, from what I can tell about how he plays, he's going to be good at whatever he does. "I love my family, and I'd rather walk," Lockette said at a news conference, surrounded by family members. I dont think a person should work hard their whole life to complete a goal and reach the highest potential in their career and once they retire they cant walk, Lockette said during an interview with 710 ESPN Seattles Bob, Groz and Tom Thursday, or they cant walk their daughter down the aisle, or they cant make it to the Super Bowl because they cant sit on a plane or bend their knees. He was released on September 3, and re-signed to the Seahawks' practice squad the following day. Seattle's offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said afterwards in a post-game interview that Lockette "could have done a better job staying strong on the ball. Lockette suffered a serious neck injury in Seattle's 13-12 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 1. Heath did nothing wrong, it was a clean play. [2] Lockette attended Monroe Comprehensive High School in Albany, where he played football and ran track and field. Just depends on who youre a fan of. Umm, Dez said nothing negative about the play or the player laying on the field. [1][2] Growing up, Lockette played Little League football, where he was coached by his father. [11] On September 1, 2013, Lockette was signed by the Chicago Bears to the practice squad. Flag him that was clear. when one of us goes down it pisses the rest of us off without question. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette said Thursday he will retire from football, citing a life-threatening neck injury that he doesn't expect to heal. I just was praying for him. Bills sign the Broncos' leading rusher from 2022. Nothing blind side about it. Honestly. Part of HuffPost News. My personal irony of being a football fan: I love the big hits where guys blow each other up. The hit appeared totally legal and within the rules live. He said he didnt know what part of his body hit Lockette, because ithappened so fast.. The study is working to collect data from current and former players (they currently have over 3,800 submissions) to improve quality of life. In a recent piece for ThePlayersTribune.com, Lockette wrote an emotional article recalling the injury, what his family and teammates have meant to him since, and he touches on what's next in his life. 2023 Bonneville International. Heath should NOT be fined for the play. All Rights Reserved. Go Hawks! I wanted to be great at something. Clean hit, and a player showing true concern for another human being because of the unfortunate result of the play. His age is 35 years as of November 2021. Theres a lot of things that I cant do, but what I can do is inspire and motivate, Lockette said. Denver Broncos rookie left tackleTy Sambrailo will be placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, head coach Gary Kubiak said Monday afternoon, after a shoulder injury suffered Sept. 27 against the Detroit Lions failed to heal. I couldn't hear my teammates. . But they had to a "I love my family, and Id rather walk," Lockette said at a news conference, surrounded by family members. Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette began making a name for himself on special teams as he leveled St. Louis returner Justin Veltung. Yet even if Lockette has a good attitude about the unfortunate cards he was dealt, that doesn't mean the career-ending injury he suffered in Dallas last season isn't still on his mind. Ricardo Quantaye Lockette (born May 21, 1986) is a former professional American football wide receiver who played in parts of four seasons for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. Bowles added quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is day to day and will need thumb surgery at some point. Glad he is alright. Rost: Who are the Seahawks potential free agency departures? 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at All Rights Reserved. section: | slug: ex-seahawk-ricardo-lockette-tearfully-reunites-with-paramedics-who-saved-his-life | sport: football | route: article_single.us | American football is no slouch in the violence department either just look at what happened to Ricardo Lockette. It was an uphill battle on an unending mountain. And hopefully I've done that. Turning 30 this month, Lockette said he hoped to return to football but instead will now. I felt terrible that he was injured like that., Heath drew a 15-yard penalty for a blindside block, but said he thought he hit Lockette from the front. Lockette suffered the injury following a hit from Jeff. Surgeons implanted titanium plates to help reconnect the skeletal structure. What Happened to Ricardo Lockette? There are tons of "brutal" sports that, upon first viewing, would probably make you wonder just how in the world they're sanctioned. Or even friggin' ice hockey? Via Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Cowboys safety Jeff Heath said he didnt think his hit on a punt return was dirty, even though Lockette clearly see him coming. Lockettes injury seemed a freak accident more than anything else; no obvious spearing or whatever. He's a Super Bowl champion, three-time NFC champ, and one of the fastest dash sprinters the sport has ever seen. "The doctor told me that pretty much my skull, all the muscles, all the ligaments that connect my vertebrae and the cartilage between that so the cartilage is out, the ligaments torn. In the middle of 2015, Ricardo Lockette was part of a terrifying hit on the football field, getting crushed on a kick return while the Seahawks were playing the Cowboys. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. He said if I would have stood up then, the weight of my head, left, right, front, back, I would have died," Lockette said in March. Those guys are usually the lowest paid and least appreciated players on the field. His day is coming. After he took a year off to train for the Olympics, Lockette transferred to Fort Valley State University. Born in Albany, Georgia, Lockette played college football at Fort Valley State University and was signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 20: (Photo by Christopher Mast/Seattle Seahawks). Register now! Its either a penalty or its not a penalty. ROOT Sports analyst Mike Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and Tom about Lewis and what makes him stand out. He said he blames neither his tackler nor the game. The injury was so . Get well Ricardo! This story isnt even about Dez. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Three years ago, former Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette saw his playing career come to a halt after suffering a neck injury during a game against the Dallas Cowboys. What I'm gonna actually remember is moments like that night in the hospital. Ricardo Lockette was born in Albany, Georgia, on 21 May 1986. Like so many people along the way helped me. Sign in ricardo lockette injury Ryan montano 191 subscribers. Wide receiver Kendall Wright (knee) said his knee feels "horrible" and he is unsure if he will be able to play in Week 9. Lockette saw him clearly, as you can see by his turning into him. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If one of my teammates would have come over and pulled my arm, just barely, I might have died. Ricardo Lockette celebrates in the end zone after a circus catch at the end of a trick play that resulted in a Seahawks touchdown. Something akin to human concern? Lockette's injury seemed a freak accident more than anything else; no obvious spearing or whatever. Makes you wonder if they would even stop a game if somebody died after being leveled by a big hit. Lockette was stabilized and carted off but the hit was more dangerous than anyone knew. Hopkins shuts down trade rumors: 'Who said' that? [17] Lockette announced his retirement on May 12, 2016, citing the 2015 injury as "50% of the reason. To be honest, my NFL career was like a blur. If not for the paramedics on the scene, Lockette may have lost more than football. Dave "The Groz" Grosby will finish up his 29-year career as a daily Seattle sports radio host on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. on 710 ESPN Seattle's Bob, Groz and Tom. "I'd rather walk," the 29-year-old wide receiver said. For all the celebrating that Seahawks do when playing against injured opponents, its easy to see how each injury a Seahawk receives is simply well-deserved. Copyright 2023 Distractify. Learn how your comment data is processed. Im sure that all special teams players share a bond that makes them even more worried when one of them is injured. However, the hit looked perfectly legal to me. But we would be the same way, you know. Is that playing it down? The players in todays NFL are taught to be battering rams. When I was on the side, I didnt really hear if they were saying anything. Hopefully, Ive done that.. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. They didnt look very happy with me, obviously. "The doctor told me pretty much my skull, all the muscles, all the ligaments that connect my vertebrae. Get well soon, E! The injury was so severe that Lockette underwent a five-hour surgery to stabilize the area and was afterward forced into retirement. If the returner at the time would have broke a couple tackles and they would have moved and fell on me, I would have died on that field.". Ive see a lot of people dig on Dez for his actions after that play. Once again, the incompetent NFL refs overreacted. Seven high school players have died playing this year. In this Feb. 1, 2015, file photo, New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette during the NFL Super Bowl XLIX . Lockette won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks on February 2, 2014, where he had one catch for 19 yards in the 438 win over the Denver Broncos. He sustained neck ligament damage as a result of the tackle. The more people that participate, the better, Lockette said. [13] He became a special teams player during his second stint with the Seattle Seahawks. Those are really scary injuries the head injuries. Like the EMTs helped me. Dallas coach drew that up during the week. It was the "L" signal, which was the Seattle Seahawks' "Legion of Boom," a sign of solidarity with his team and a show of confidence to let everyone know that he was conscious. Have you ever seen an actual game of Aussie rules football? Now I just want to take that spirit and joy and spread it to people who really need it. Ricardo Lockette suffers scary injury from big hit during punt return Zofia Janay 7 subscribers Subscribe 1.5K views 7 years ago The Seattle Seahawks were punting towards the end of the first. as well as other partner offers and accept our, "If one of my teammates would have come over and pulled my arm, I would have died,", NOW WATCH: This is what Tom Brady eats to play pro football at 38 years old. Love you Ricardo, wishing you a full recovery. In April, New York Jets standout DBrickashaw Ferguson announced his retirement, writing, "If we know the risks, then why do we still play?". He was hit by the Cowboy's safety Jeff Heath while on punt coverage. Heath looked concerned on the sidelines. Stay up to date with what you want to know. He immediately showed concern and remained a class-act all the way. Seahawks need him running to make playoffs, Watch: The Groz throws out the 1st pitch before Mariners-Astros game, Highlights from The Grozs last show on Bob, Groz and Tom, Watch: Members of the Seattle sports media pay tribute to The Groz, The Grozs final show on Bob, Groz and Tom airs Friday at noon. Its football. 1:26 Ricardo Lockette's NFL career came to a sudden end on a November day in 2015. According to Lockette, he "almost died" on the field that day. My whole body was numb. When Lockette realized they were in attendance, he teared up, gave them a hug, and thanked them. How you can compare that to Larry is ridiculous. Lockette would probably congratulate Heath on making a big hit like that (if Lockette had been able to get up right away). Learn more about his grisly on-field injury. I hope Lockette will be OK and get to play again. On the first day of November in 2015, Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette took a crushing hit against the Cowboys that nearly ended his life. I never really wanted to be an Olympic track star or an NFL player. Lockette retired from the game after suffering an injury that nearly ended his life By Sean Wagner-McGough May 26, 2017 at 3:18 pm ET 1 min read On the first day of November in 2015, Seahawks. Lockette joins a growing list of NFL players leaving the game due to injuries or the risk. They're ridiculously savage, but these athletes still take the field, time again, to participate in these no-nonsense contests they absolutely love. Listen to Lockettes full interview with Bob, Groz and Tom here. Lockette, who first came to Seattle as an undrafted free agent in 2011, suffered a serious neck injury in . 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. It starts from the current players, the former players.. there was no malicious intent and it was a square shot and completely legal. Lockette was. Every person that I meet, I'm bringing them up the mountain with me. Speedy wide receiver Ricardo Lockette outran Denver's Aqib Talib down the right side to haul in this 39-yard touchdown strike from Russell Wilson to give the Seahawks a 10-3 lead before halftime. Lockette also talked about whether or not ever considered a return to the field, and his relationship with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. There, he spoke about how his life was saved by paramedics in Arlington, Texas. My intention is never to hurt anyone. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | He was signed to the practice squad, but was released by the team on September 18. National and local media grade the Seahawks' 2023 Draft Class. [3] Lockette won the NCAA Division II 200-meter dash in 2008 in a personal record of 20.63 seconds; he ran the 100-meter dash in 10.28 seconds. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Offers may be subject to change without notice. He recorded 22 catches, 451 yards and four touchdowns, and helped the team to win Super Bowl XLVIII. Football players are paid to make such plays, but guilt is a human emotion, the kind men, fathers and sons are all capable of. Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis hit his fifth home run in eight games in the big leagues on Wednesday. A scary neck injury is forcing Seattle Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette to retire from the NFL. The tackle left him lying on the field for several minutes before he was carried off on a stretcher. I will inspire someone and motivate them to be great in a time of need, as well as my family did.. You want to hurt the other guy. Unlike moments like Raphael Bush celebrating his illegal head shot on Percy Harvin with his teammates/coaches. The man who delivered the hit which caused that said after the game that he meant no harm. That doesnt mean Lockette isnt still just as passionate about the game. Its all about the dough. foxsports. Emergency personnel had to cart him off the field and as he was wheeled away, he stuck his hand up in the air. He also prayed for the man. I saw Larry Fitzgeralds touchdown catch in a different game, and going down he looked more injured than Lockette. I saw Larry Fitzgerald's touchdown catch in a different game, and going down he looked more . I heard he was all right, and I was really happy that he was able to move after when they were taking him off. So I cant complain about that. Hope Lockett recovers fully but lay off Heath. When Lockette realized they were in attendance, he teared up, gave them a hug, and thanked them. Lockette has since gone on to have a tremendous career for himself. From the moment the kid was lying on the ground unconscious everyone was a human being and football meant nothing. Sign up for notifications from Insider! On December 14, 2011, Lockette was promoted to active 53-man Seattle Seahawks' roster.[9]. Seattle Seahawks 2023. What Lockette didn't know was that the paramedics who saved him were actually in the audience, having made the trek from Texas. Earlier this week, Lockette was reunited with two of the people that help saved his life. Lockette underwent surgery Monday to stabilize ligament damage sustained in the hit. Seattle Seahawks' wide receiver Ricardo Lockette decided that even though he was recovering from a pretty serious neck injury, he still wanted to help the homeless. He eventually re-signed with the Seahawks despite being an unrestricted free agent. The Seahawks came out to protect Lockette from what? And while we wait to see if Lockettesever going to be able to play football again after the surgery, its also easy to wonder how well Heath will be able to in the future. We do not want to take the sport out of our sport but we have to find a way to make it safer. Nothing blind side about it penalty was ridiculous. Lockette, 29, took a heavy hit on Nov. 1 from Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath during a punt return. Theysavedmy life. As a result, he collapsed to the field. Ricardo was knocked slightly out of position before Heath stoned him. In the middle of 2015, Ricardo Lockette was part of a terrifying hit on the football field, getting crushed on a kick return while the Seahawks were playing the Cowboys. Go SEAHAWKS! You realize after a couple years youre like, Hey man, we were really killing ourselves. So what can we do to prolong it, but not take the excitement out of the game?. If I would have stood up then, the weight of my head, left right, front back, I would have died. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll confirmed Monday the injury would keep Lockette out for the remainder of the year. Former Seahawks wideout Ricardo Lockette announced his retirement from the NFL on May 12, 2016. Jerry should also reel off this guys name as an example of a team leader: he played and hit hard/legal, but also was hoping for the best for Lockette as a human/player. Ricardo was knocked UNCONSCIOUS! [12] He was waived by the team on October 21. Hawks fan here, it was a good hard football play with an unfortunate outcome. If Sandra Bullock knows what Blindside is, youd think it wouldnt be too hard for the refs to figure it out too. That's my new mountain. [6], Lockette tied for the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.37 seconds) at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine. Lockette then bounced to the 49ers and then the Chicago Bears before ultimately returning to the Seattle Seahawks where he won a Super Bowl in 2014 with the franchise, completing one key catch against the Denver Broncos. Lockette may not quite be all right, but the fact he had movement in all his extremities was a good sign. "Life goes on. Just get up. Lockette, unfortunately learned that he had sustained a career-ending injury as a result of Heath's clean hit. Take a look back at his best photos in a Seattle uniform. However, the Seahawks ultimately lost to Brady's squad. Lockette was taken off on a stretcher after being hit on a blindside block from Cowboys safety Jeff Heath in the second quarter. In the hospital, there were tears, Lockette writes, especially when his daughter came into the room to visit, but there was also laughter, courtesy of Marshawn Lynch, who stayed behind in Dallas with Lockette. On Nov. 1, 2015, in a game against the Dallas Cowboys that would change the trajectory of Lockette's life and career forever, the wide receiver took what he called a "clean hit" from Jeff Heath while on punt coverage. A scary neck injury is forcingSeattle Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette to retire from the NFL. Hopkins shuts down trade rumors: 'Who said' that? But its Dez. Lockette hinted at retirement in an Instagram. What makes me laugh however is you can find at least a dozen hits similar to this from other players, and certain fans would call it dirty. I need to repay the Lord for helping me get up. 0:00 / 4:23 Ricardo Lockette: 'I don't blame anybody for what happened to me' | NFL Network NFL Network 600K subscribers Subscribe 440K views 6 years ago NFL Media's Michael Robinson sits down. A post shared by Ricardo Lockette (@ricardolockette) on Sep 20, 2020 at 3:29pm PDT, The Cowboys safety expressed his remorse over the hit when speaking with The Dallas Morning News, stating that it was never his intention to severely hurt Lockette. But while many others used the post-game to argue with others about intent or their own roles in the situation, the guy who delivered the shotexpressed something skin tohuman concern, a refreshing departure. What sets Mariners OF Kyle Lewis apart from other prospects. Did they think the Cowboys were going to launch an attack on his unconscious body? How can the sport be made safer is an important question whether we like it or not. Seriously? I liked the hit and play but the rulebook is sooo damn complicated and open ended with judgement calls that good plays like this are now penalties. Google Hines ward and you will see several his identical to this hit, and yet many people would say those hits were dirty. Was clean. I think even as it is, Lockette would respect the way Heath played and acted after the play. Theyre protecting their teammate, just like any guys would, Heath said of Seattle players. Seattle players even said that he didnt. Seattle's Ricardo Lockette got into the act on the very next play, leaping high to catch a 19-yard pass from Wilson. I dont think the hit was malicious, just violent. Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette is out for the season, and needs surgery to repair ligament damage in his neck. If not for the paramedics on the scene, Lockette may have lost more than football. And you live by the sword and you die by the sword. Levis has inside track to be future of Titans, Eagles add three Georgia studs to elite roster, Belichick keeping Jones, Zappe on edge after draft, Simms: Hooker has more talent than Goff, NFL draft takeaways: QBs selected on Day 3, Jeff Heath felt terrible that Ricardo Lockette was injured on his hit, In the end, the Packers fleeced the Jets for Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers blamed cell service at his house for not returning Brian Gutekunsts calls, Trade charts show Jets sending Packers equivalent of a high second-round pick in 2023, Odds greatly improve for Will Levis to be the first overall pick, Deion Sanders is ashamed of 31 NFL teams for not drafting any HBCU players, Brian Gutekunst: It would have been nice to have had those conversations with Aaron Rodgers, Jim Irsay asks fans whether Colts should pair Will Levis with Anthony Richardson. Thank God hes okay and were all glad the other player meant no harm. Like I said, Im glad hes doing all right.. Best wishes to Lockette, but this was a completely clean and legit hard hit. "The doctor told me pretty much my skull, all the muscles, all the ligaments that connect my vertebrae. The guy was just doing his job. Lockette recognizes that his status as a former player allows him to speak up where others cant to speak on behalf of current players who are concerned about long-term health but who are in a contract situation or fear that another player could take their job if theyre unable to play. All rights reserved. The procedure left him with only 50 percent rotation in his neck. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. New York Jets coach Todd Bowles said he's not sure whether wide receiver Brandon Marshall (toe, ankle) will be available in Week 9. The Super Bowl XLVIII champion is currently a player advisor for The Football Players Health Study at Harvard. ", Out here spending only fans money like my A/C broke #Rockette #4pf, A post shared by Ricardo Lockette (@ricardolockette) on Aug 12, 2020 at 11:54am PDT. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday the veteran wide receiver has been forced to retire due to the neck injury he suffered in a . He won the NCAA Division II 200-meter dash in 2008, setting a personal record of 20.63 seconds. "It sucks that was the outcome of the situation. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. When he announced his retirement earlier this offseason, former Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette made it clear that he didn't feel sorry for himself despite having his career cut short by a. He sustained neck ligament damage as a result of the tackle. [20], Lockette dated singer Keri Hilson from 2017 to 2020.[21]. The wide receiver collided with Cowboys safety Jeff Heath during punt coverage and then. Did Mr. Heath go onto the field to show his concern? You can watch video of their reunion below: Lockette reuintes with paramedics who saved his life. "It's not a sad day for me," Lockette said in May, sitting with his parents, Earl Sr. and Felita, his brother Earl Jr., and his girlfriend Jamaica Terry.
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