P.J. Locke
Denver Broncos safety who made history by returning from spinal fusion surgery.
James Abner "P. J." Locke III (born February 12, 1997) is an American professional football safety for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns. Locke was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft. After being cut by the Steelers, he would sign with the Denver Broncos, playing in six seasons for them.
Quick Facts
- Current team
- Dallas Cowboys
- Position
- Safety
- Born
- 12 February 1997
- Birthplace
- Beaumont, Texas, U.S.
- High school
- Central (Beaumont)
- College
- Texas (2015–2018)
- Former teams
- Pittsburgh Steelers (2019)
- Denver Broncos (2019, 2025)
- Dallas Cowboys (2026–present)
Lore & Background
Locke attended Central High School in Beaumont, Texas. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft on April 29, 2019, and waived on August 31 during final roster cuts. He was signed to the Denver Broncos' practice squad on December 17, 2019, waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, and signed to the practice squad the following day. Locke was elevated to the active roster on September 14 for the team's Week 1 game against the Tennessee Titans, making his NFL debut; he reverted to the practice squad the next day. The Broncos promoted Locke to their active roster on September 24. After the 2020 season, Locke established himself as a core special teamer and led the Broncos in special teams snaps. On March 16, 2023, Locke re-signed with Denver. He was placed on short-term injured reserve on August 31, and activated on October 7. On October 22, Locke made his first NFL career interception on a pass from quarterback Jordan Love to seal a Broncos win at home against the Green Bay Packers. On March 11, 2024, Locke signed a two-year, $7 million contract extension with the Broncos. After injuring himself in a Wild Card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, Locke successfully underwent a spinal fusion surgery that no NFL player had ever previously returned from. On March 10, 2026, Locke signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys.
Reader's Guide
P.J. Locke is a safety who played college football at Texas and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. He spent six seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he became a core special teamer and recorded his first career interception in 2023. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2026.
More in Current Roster & Draft Picks
Elsewhere in Denver Broncos
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced