His job as a special teamer depends on makingsuch big hits, and it would be impossible to not have what happened to Lockette in the back of his mind the next time hes in that position. The blow leveled Lockette, dropping him to the field and he was rendered immobilized. "[15], On March 9, 2015, the Seahawks stated they would not tender Lockette, thus making him an unrestricted free agent; however, he eventually re-signed. On December 14, 2011, Lockette was promoted to active 53-man Seattle Seahawks' roster.[9]. Seattle's Ricardo Lockette got into the act on the very next play, leaping high to catch a 19-yard pass from Wilson. Chicago Bears coach John Fox said he had no updates on running back Matt Forte's knee injury but said he did not think it would require surgery or be season-ending. He sustained neck ligament damage as a result of the tackle. "The doctor told me pretty much my skull, all the muscles, all the ligaments that connect my vertebrae. According to Lockette, he "almost died" on the field that day. Surgeons implanted titanium plates to help reconnect the skeletal structure. Active projects include a brain health study, a health and wellness initiative, and a third study that aims to explore how personal ties affect the health of former players. The game is too big and unrealistic. Football is dangerous sometimes; nothing can be done about that in the end. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Heath did what he was told just like most do. Lockette hinted at retirement in an Instagram. 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. Im sure that all special teams players share a bond that makes them even more worried when one of them is injured. He was signed to the practice squad, but was released by the team on September 18. The injury was so . 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. Lockette added "what saved his life" was the trainers and the work you guys do" -- their knowledge of his injury and how to help Lockette through stabilization and patience with handling his neck injury made a difference that day. "Life goes on. Its all about the dough. When Lockette realized they were in attendance, he teared up, gave them a hug, and thanked them. "I thank God that Im here and I thank you guys for the work that you do.". Not a member? Describing the hit, which came on punt coverage in Seattle's Week 9 win at Dallas, Lockette writes: It was terrifying. I'm laying in bed with a full neck brace, just trying to stay still, and he's just being Marshawn talking to the nurses, making jokes, being crazy. Two weeks after being injured during the Dallas game, Ricardo Lockette made an appearance and acknowledged the 12s before the Seahawks Week 10 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Lockette has since gone on to have a tremendous career for himself. He said he blames neither his tackler nor the game. Today, Lockette is using his experience to advance a comprehensive study at Harvard University the largest of its kind which aims to make the NFL safer for its players and minimize the long-term health risks associated with professional football. However, the Seahawks ultimately lost to Brady's squad. TOTALLY A CLEAN BLOCK/HIT and should not have been penalized! Or in my situation, it couldve been that hes paralyzed.. I couldn't hear the crowd. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Recently, Lockette -- now retired from football -- met with paramedics at the Washington Fire Chiefs convention in Spokane, Washington. Lockette underwent surgery Monday to stabilize ligament damage sustained in the hit. [1][2] Growing up, Lockette played Little League football, where he was coached by his father. Thats what I will do. Former Seahawks wideout Ricardo Lockette announced his retirement from the NFL on May 12, 2016. People say, Hey dude, are you sad that this happened to you and that the guy hit you and blah, blah, blah? No, because Im a dog. "If one of my teammates would have come over and pulled my arm, I would have died," headded. Theysavedmy life. Sometimes their tempers get heated, especially in a situation like that. A lot of people don't know the real Marshawn. I hope Lockette will be OK and get to play again. The defensive backs and linebackers have minimal tackling skills and use their bodies as torpedoes to render the ball carriers dazed and hopefully separated from the ball. I hope someone hits you just the same way. 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. However, the hit looked perfectly legal to me. But you also want him to be able to walk off the field at the end of the play. 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. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. If one of my teammates would have come over and pulled my arm, just barely, I might have died. Enter for a chance to win an exclusive fly away trip to Los Angeles or an autographed Draft cap by our entire 2023 class! Ricardo Lockette is retiring from the NFL after four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Lockettes injury seemed a freak accident more than anything else; no obvious spearing or whatever. A collection of Seahawks.com stories, videos and other coverage of the 10 newest members of the Seattle Seahawks. When I saw that he was injured like that, and he wasnt moving, I hated it, Heath said. I couldn't talk. Ricardo Quantaye Lockette was born on May 21, 1986, in Albany, Georgia, to Earl and Felita Lockette. I dont think the hit was malicious, just violent. What I'm gonna actually remember is moments like that night in the hospital. "If the returner at the time would have broken a couple tackles and they would have fell on me on the field I would have died.". He was on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum of $660,000. Best wishes to Lockette, but this was a completely clean and legit hard hit. Nothing blind side about it penalty was ridiculous. [1], Lockette was a frequent speaker at elementary schools in Albany in 2014. From the moment the kid was lying on the ground unconscious everyone was a human being and football meant nothing. Theres a lot of things that I cant do, but what I can do is inspire and motivate, Lockette said. He said if I would have stood up then, the weight of my head, left, right, front, back, I would have died," Lockette said. Ricardo Lockette's NFL career came to a sudden end on a November day in 2015. "If the returner at the time would have broken a couple tackles and they would have fell on me on the field I would have died.". If not for the paramedics on the scene, Lockette may have lost more than football. All I could do was move my eyes. First, I hope Lockett has a speedy recovery, and is able to return to the Seahawks and play next season. Lockette may not quite be all right, but the fact he had movement in all his extremities was a good sign. Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette, not the running back, was deprived of a game-winning touchdown and Super Bowl heroism. titanium plates to help reconnect the skeletal structure, leaving the game due to injuries or the risk. He was the intended receiver on the Seahawks last offensive play as it was intercepted by Malcolm Butler. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. He was hit by the Cowboy's safety Jeff Heath while on punt coverage. This was a hard hit, but a CLEAN hit. afancydraft says: He's become an advocate for spinal cord injury research with the Seattle Science Foundation, is still in phenomenal shape, and is having a blast traveling the world. Sure in slow motion it looks bad, but in live play youre going out to hit someone. 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. 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. No one else noticed anything amiss either (see: Dez Bryant) until a couple seconds after Locket landed, then everyone knew something was really wrong. Lockette, unfortunately learned that he had sustained a career-ending injury as a result of Heath's clean hit. [11] On September 1, 2013, Lockette was signed by the Chicago Bears to the practice squad. The more people that participate, the better, Lockette said. Check out video, photos and more from his big night here. It WAS human concern. 1; Cards have top 2, Best, worst, most interesting pick for all, Six things that experts got wrong about the NFL Draft, Undrafted free agent tracker: Team-by-team list of signings. Its nice to see a guy express some remorse, even though he did nothing wrong. Ricardo Lockette (@RicardoLockette) November 2, 2015. Its either a penalty or its not a penalty. section: | slug: ex-seahawk-ricardo-lockette-tearfully-reunites-with-paramedics-who-saved-his-life | sport: football | route: article_single.us | 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. ARLINGTON, Texas - Wide receiver Ricardo Lockette was carted off the field on a stretcher in the second quarter of the Seahawks' Week 8 game at Dallas after colliding with Cowboys free safety. Just the laughter and the love, even in the toughest moments. But I couldn't get up. "The doctor told me pretty much my skull, all the muscles, all the ligaments that connect my vertebrae. Im a fan of another NFC East team (yeah, I know it is sad), and now would be a perfect opportunity for me to dump on Heath. "If this team is going to go to the playoffs, they have to have Chris Carson running the football.". Lockette, who turns 30 later this month and worked his way onto the Seahawks roster as an undrafted free agent, will announce his retirement in a press conferenceon Thursday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. [4] Tyree Price, Lockette's track coach at Fort Valley State, has stated that, had he stuck with track, he would have gone to the Olympic trials. Ricardo seeks out those who suffer an injury like his. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The hit appeared totally legal and within the rules live. I had an amazing team of people around me that day, and they saved my life. Nothing blind side about it. That doesnt mean Lockette isnt still just as passionate about the game. The guy was just doing his job. Honestly. Lockette was drafted to the Seahawks as a free agent in the same year. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette will retire after suffering a season-ending neck injury that required surgery last November. In April, New York Jets standout DBrickashaw Ferguson announced his retirement, writing, "If we know the risks, then why do we still play?". Ricardo Lockette has played his last down in the NFL. Lockette was. 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. Did Mr. Heath go onto the field to show his concern? Or if the returner at the time would have broken a couple tackles, and they would have rolled and fell on me, I would have died on that field.. 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. RENTON, Wash. -- Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette had surgery to stabilize ligaments in his neck Monday, a day after being taken off the field on a backboard just before halftime . Former Chicago Bears Running Back Calls NFL "Scripted", LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow Is a NFL Star in the Making, NFL Referees Get Paid More Than You Might Think, Though Not as Much as the Players. Clean hit, and a player showing true concern for another human being because of the unfortunate result of the play. [13] He became a special teams player during his second stint with the Seattle Seahawks. Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown is day-to-day with a rib injury. While other players gathered around Lockette as he was motionless on the field, Heath stayed on the sidelines as emotionsflared. Bills sign the Broncos' leading rusher from 2022. 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 . The man who delivered the hit which caused that said after the game that he meant no harm. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. To be honest, my NFL career was like a blur. But its Dez. Medical staff prepare to cart Ricardo Lockette off the field as head coach Pete Carroll, front right, watches in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 1 . How you can compare that to Larry is ridiculous. When it's all said and done, when the temporary fairy tale Coach (Pete) Carroll talked about is over, we have to ask ourselves why we're really here on this earth. [16], While on punt coverage during a November 1, 2015, road game against the Dallas Cowboys, Lockette was concussed after a hit by Cowboys safety Jeff Heath. Six months later, he announced his retirement. @therealzeitgeist I will inspire someone and motivate them to be great in a time of need, as well as my family did.. "Because he was so close to being paralyzed, he can really sympathize with people who are in that position. Copyright 2023 Distractify. He spoke at the Washington Fire Chief's Conference in Spokane, Wash. Little did he know, the paramedics who were at his last NFL game were also in the audience. This story isnt even about Dez. 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. Hopefully, Ive done that.. Watch a special tribute to 710 ESPN Seattle's The Groz featuring messages from members of the Seattle sports media to commemorate his 29 years as a daily host in the market. Those guys are usually the lowest paid and least appreciated players on the field. 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. Hes like that. He won the NCAA Division II 200-meter dash in 2008, setting a personal record of 20.63 seconds. Ricardo was knocked UNCONSCIOUS! "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. You want to hurt the other guy. "I love my family, and I'd rather walk," Lockette said at a news conference, surrounded by family members. And you live by the sword and you die by the sword. I couldn't move my head. Lockette, hope this isn't as serious as David Wilson's neck injury, but if the doctors say "if" or "50/50", make the graceful exit and live the rest of your life healthy. It starts from the current players, the former players.. His day is coming. It looked like Lockett lost his balance a bit after a light hit before he ran into Heath and that prevented him from being ready for the hit. Heath did nothing wrong, it was a clean play. Or even friggin' ice hockey? Like Marshawn helped me. Lockette, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Saturday, will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Doctors said if I would have stood up then, the weight of my head left, right, front, back I would have died, Lockette said. Not a dirty hit at all. The officials over-reacted to the violent nature of the play by flagging Heath. American football is no slouch in the violence department either just look at what happened to Ricardo Lockette. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider When I was on the side, I didnt really hear if they were saying anything. On a truly terrible day in Ricardo Lockette's life, when he suffered what was ultimately a career-ending neck injury, one of his Seattle Seahawks teammates stayed with him all night in the hospital. The tackle left him lying on the field for several minutes before he was carried off on a stretcher. [10], Lockette was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad on September 24, 2012. All Rights Reserved. I think even as it is, Lockette would respect the way Heath played and acted after the play. And Im hoping that the NFL does NOT fine Jeff Heath. The refs through the flag because it looked really bad. But we would be the same way, you know. 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. Thank God hes okay and were all glad the other player meant no harm. He sustained neck ligament damage as a result of the tackle. 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 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. 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. It's scary to think about just what a fine line Lockette -- and any NFL player -- walks when it comes to the dangerous physical nature of the game they play. Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis hit his fifth home run in eight games in the big leagues on Wednesday. Part of HuffPost News. 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. It was an uphill battle on an unending mountain. The Seahawks signed receiver Easop Winston, who spent time last season on Seattle's practice squad. Hawks fan here, it was a good hard football play with an unfortunate outcome. "I didnt realize how serious it was until it was over," Lockette said. Lockette, who first came to Seattle as an undrafted free agent in 2011, suffered a serious neck injury in . "It sucks that was the outcome of the situation. Lockette saw the direct hit coming and he lowered his helmet to deliver his own blow. [6], Lockette tied for the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.37 seconds) at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine. Lockette, 29, took a heavy hit on Nov. 1 from Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath during a punt return. Not a Cowboys, cut the guy some slack. That's my new mountain. You could tell he was concerned immediately after, even though it really wasnt his fault. This dude had me laughing so hard that he was putting my damn life in danger. I heard he was all right, and I was really happy that he was able to move after when they were taking him off. Rost: Who are the Seahawks potential free agency departures? Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette began making a name for himself on special teams as he leveled St. Louis returner Justin Veltung. The reason it was a penalty is bc of the direction Heath was running and facing when he hit Lockette. And hopefully I've done that. Or rugby? He eventually re-signed with the Seahawks despite being an unrestricted free agent. News and notes from Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider's press conference following the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, I never want any actual (for lack of a better term) damage to be done to anyone regardless of their team. ", 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. I'm back at the bottom. Ricardo Lockette celebrates with teammates after his big hit. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. It's a sad and premature end for Lockette, who in Novembernearly diedwhen he collided with Cowboys safety Jeff Heath on a punt return. My whole body was numb. Flag him that was clear. Nothing more to see here, move along. Head coach Pete Carroll said that Lockette will not play for the remainder of the 2015 season. I saw Larry Fitzgeralds touchdown catch in a different game, and going down he looked more injured than Lockette. 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. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Ricardo Lockette celebrates his touchdown in front of fans in the north end zone. Karma, baby. there was no malicious intent and it was a square shot and completely legal. Lockette said Thursday he had put to rest his hopes of returning to the game. The former Seahawks. His age is 35 years as of November 2021. Heath did his job, no intent. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is out indefinitely with a kidney injury. While Lockette stated that Heath's tackle was a "clean hit," at the time, officials deemed the strike as a blindside hit from Heath. The injury was so severe that Lockette underwent a five-hour surgery to stabilize the area and was afterward forced into retirement. Get well Ricardo! I never really wanted to be an Olympic track star or an NFL player I just wanted to be great. While the Seahawks had announced it was a "season ending injury" Lockette would go on to announce his retirement from the NFL on May 12, 2016, stating that the damage he had endured months earlier was "50 percent of the reason" for his retirement. All Rights Reserved. I was thinking, O.K., get up. I was playing hard, and he was doing the same thing. He's a Super Bowl champion, three-time NFC champ, and one of the fastest dash sprinters the sport has ever seen. [13], Lockette returned to the Seahawks on October 22, 2013. Lockette suffered a life-threatening neck injury during a game last November at Dallas last November. Football players are paid to make such plays, but guilt is a human emotion, the kind men, fathers and sons are all capable of. Its not a sad day for me, Lockette continued. We can get a clearer picture it has to start with the data. Running back Marshawn Lynch talks to young receivers Ricardo Lockette and Paul Richardson on the Seahawks sideline just before kickoff. 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. They didnt look very happy with me, obviously. But they had to a Lockette knew full well that he wouldn't be standing there if it wasn't for their life-saving actions. 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. On the first day of November in 2015, Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette took a crushing hit against the Cowboys that nearly ended his life. New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson fractured his tibia and will miss the remainder of the season. Lockette was running full speed and getting free of a block, not sure he had much control or could see the block coming. BTW, the current state of the Seahawks line will ensure that Wilson is not healthy forever. 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 . Sambrailo will have surgery this week. If Sandra Bullock knows what Blindside is, youd think it wouldnt be too hard for the refs to figure it out too. Need to act a little more mature.
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