| Current team | Dallas Cowboys |
|---|---|
| Number | 1 |
| Position | Safety |
| Birth date | February 12, 1997 (age 29) |
| Birth place | Beaumont, Texas, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft |
| Height in | 10 |
| Weight lbs | 202 |
| High school | Central (Beaumont) |
| College | Texas (2015–2018) |
| Undraftedyear | 2019 |
| Pastteams |
|
| Status | Active |
| Statseason | 2025 |
| Statlabel 1 | Total tackles |
| Statvalue 1 | 174 |
| Statlabel 2 | Sacks |
| Statvalue 2 | 4.0 |
| Statlabel 3 | Forced fumbles |
| Statvalue 3 | 5 |
| Statlabel 4 | Fumble recoveries |
| Statlabel 5 | Pass deflections |
| Statvalue 5 | 11 |
| Statlabel 6 | Interceptions |
| Statvalue 6 | 2 |
| Pfr | LockPJ00 |
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.
Early life
Locke attended Central High School in Beaumont, Texas.[1]
Professional career
Pittsburgh Steelers
Locke was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft on April 29, 2019.[2] Locke was waived on August 31 during final roster cuts.[3]
Denver Broncos
Locke was signed to the Denver Broncos' practice squad on December 17, 2019.[4] He was waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020,[5] and signed to the practice squad the following day.[6] Locke was elevated to the active roster on September 14 for the team's Week 1 game against the Tennessee Titans,[7] making his NFL debut;[8] he reverted to the practice squad the next day. The Broncos promoted Locke to their active roster on September 24.[9]
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.[10] He was placed on short-term injured reserve on August 31,[11] 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.[12][13] 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.[14]
Dallas Cowboys
On March 10, 2026, Locke signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys.[15]
References
- ^ Faye, Matt (2021-07-13). "Denver Bronco P.J. Locke to host free youth camp in Beaumont". Beaumont Enterprise. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved 2021-12-24.
- ^ Adamski, Chris (2019-04-29). "Steelers sign undrafted safety P.J. Locke of Texas". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
- ^ Varley, Teresa (August 31, 2019). "Steelers make roster cuts". Steelers.com
- ^ Davis, Danny (December 17, 2019). "Ex-Longhorn P.J. Locke III heads to Denver to join forces with former teammates". American-Statesman
- ^ DiLalla, Aric (September 5, 2020). "Broncos make series of transactions to reach 53-man roster limit". DenverBroncos.com
- ^ DiLalla, Aric (September 6, 2020). "Broncos sign 15 players to practice squad". Denver Broncos. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
- ^ DiLalla, Aric (September 14, 2020). "Broncos elevate OLB Derrek Tuszka, S P.J. Locke from practice squad for #TENvsDEN". DenverBroncos.com. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
- ^ Howe, Jeff (September 16, 2020). "Longhorns in the NFL: Recapping a productive opening weekend". 247Sports.com
- ^ Gantt, Darin (September 24, 2020). "Broncos promoting safety P.J. Locke from practice squad". Profootballtalk.com. NBC Sports
- ^ DiLalla, Aric (March 16, 2023). "Broncos re-sign S P.J. Locke". DenverBroncos.com
- ^ DiLalla, Aric (August 31, 2023). "Broncos sign NT Mike Purcell, CB Fabian Moreau and T Quinn Bailey, place three players on injured reserve". DenverBroncos.com
- ^ Smith, Michael David (March 10, 2024). "Broncos re-sign safety P.J. Locke to two-year, $7 million contract". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports.
- ^ DiLalla, Aric (2024-03-11). "Broncos re-sign S P.J. Locke to two-year contract". Denver Broncos. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
- ^ Tomasson, Chris (2025-07-19). "Father says Broncos' P.J. Locke ready for training camp after recovery from 'miracle' back surgery | NFL Insider". Denver Gazette. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
- ^ Walker, Patrik (March 10, 2026). "2026 NFL Free Agency: P.J. Locke, Cowboys agree to terms". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.