Report: Seahawks WR Ricardo Lockette expected to retire Thursday
After suffering a devastating neck injury last season, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette is expected to retire on Thursday.
During the 2015 NFL season, there were plenty of big hits and a few injuries on the field that had people holding their breath. One of those terrifying hits occurred on November 1, when the Seattle Seahawks were taking on the Dallas Cowboys in AT&T Stadium.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette would collapse to the field after taking an illegal block. Lockette would proceed to be stretchered off the field and taken to a hospital, where he was tended to immediately by medics who saved his life.
Lockette’s season was over and it appears that game in Dallas was indeed his final snap. On Wednesday, FOX Sports NFL reporter Mike Garafolo reported that the Seahawks and Lockette would be holding a press conference on Thursday, where the wide receiver is expected to announce his retirement.
Seahawks announce a press conference tomorrow for Ricardo Lockette, who hasn't played since that scary hit in Dallas.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 11, 2016
It’s certainly a shame to see to Lockette’s career come to an end, but this is easily the best decision that he could have made. Ultimately, his health is more important than the game and he had proved to be a vital part of the Seahawks’ locker room in his career.
With the increasing awareness of head and neck injuries and players stepping away early in their careers, Lockette’s move makes all the sense in the world and he’s very fortunate to still be living after the terrifying incident in Dallas.
In a career that was spent mostly with the Seahawks and some time with other teams, Lockette had the great fortune of being a three-time NFC Champion and a one-time Super Bowl champion. He’s walking away early, but he’s leaving with plenty of accolades to be proud of.
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