Former Monroe star Ricardo Lockette announces retirement from NFL

ALBANY — Former Monroe High School standout Ricardo Lockette announced his retirement from the National Football league in a press conference in Seattle Thursday afternoon.

The recent Albany Sports Hall of Fame inductee was set to have a promising 2015 season until a devastating injury ended his season after just eight games. While playing on punt coverage against the Cowboys, Lockette was blindsided by Dallas safety Jeff Heath.

He was motionless on the field for several minutes while being tended to by trainers. Lockette suffered a concussion and ligament damage to his neck due to the hit.

In an interview with the Herald last month, Lockette said he was “healing and enjoying the offseason.”

During the press conference, Lockette said he isn’t sure if he will be able to lift heavy things or play sports with his kids due to the injury.

“It’s not a sad day,” Lockette said. “Life goes on. I never wanted to be an Olympic track star or an NFL player. I just wanted to do something great.”

Lockette said he isn’t sure what his future has in store, but knows he will work in the community.

“I will dedicate my time to helping those in need,” he said during the press conference. “Helping the homeless and women who are victims of domestic violence. I will try to help the kids because it all starts with the kids.”

In college, Lockette saw immediate success as a runner and eventually ended up at Fort Valley State where he became the NCAA Division II 200-meter national champion in 2008.

While his track & field career flourished, his football career was a work in progress. In his two years as part of the football team at Fort Valley State, Lockette totaled just 42 receptions for 539 yards and four touchdowns.

After an up-and-down start to his NFL career, Lockette found a role with the Seahawks as a special teamer. During the 2014 season, he played in all 16 of Seattle’s games and registered 11 catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. He also hauled in six passes for 90 yards in the Seahawks’ three postseason games.

Lockette ends his career as a Super Bowl champ and a three-time NFC champion.