P.J. Locke Bio
James Abner “P. J.” Locke III, born on February 12, 1997, is an American professional football safety in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 5 ft 10 in and weighing 202 lb, Locke has built his reputation as a reliable special teams contributor and a hard-hitting defensive back. After going undrafted in 2019, he carved out a long NFL career through resilience and steady development, eventually becoming a key piece of the Denver Broncos and later signing with the Dallas Cowboys.
Born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, Locke played his college football for the Texas Longhorns from 2015 to 2018 before entering the professional ranks. Across his career he has logged 174 total tackles, 4 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 11 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions.
Early Life and Background
James Abner “P. J.” Locke III grew up in Beaumont, Texas, where he attended Central High School. His time in Southeast Texas helped shape his competitive edge, and he developed into a promising defensive prospect during his high school years. The football culture in Texas gave Locke a strong foundation for the next step in his career.
Coming out of Central High School, Locke was a recruited athlete who chose to continue his football journey at the University of Texas. His path from a high school prospect in Beaumont to a Division I collegiate player marked the first major step toward a professional career in the NFL.
Path to American Football
Locke joined the Texas Longhorns football program in 2015 and spent four seasons developing his game at the collegiate level. Playing in a major college conference, he gained valuable experience against top-tier competition and continued to refine his skills as a defensive back. His development during these years prepared him for the next chapter of his career.
Following the 2018 college season, Locke declared for the 2019 NFL Draft. Although he was not selected during the draft process, his college experience and athletic profile gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot at the professional level.
P.J. Locke Career
Early Career (2019)
Locke was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2019, shortly after the conclusion of the NFL Draft. His time in Pittsburgh was brief, as he was waived on August 31 during the final roster cuts. The short stint with the Steelers did not end his professional career, however, as another opportunity quickly followed.
On December 17, 2019, Locke was signed to the Denver Broncos’ practice squad, giving him a chance to continue developing within an NFL organization. This move proved to be the turning point that allowed him to establish himself as a long-term NFL contributor.
Denver Broncos Breakthrough (2019-2025)
Locke’s first NFL appearance came on September 14, 2020, when the Broncos elevated him from the practice squad for a Week 1 game against the Tennessee Titans. He was promoted to the active roster on September 24, 2020, beginning what would become a six-season run with Denver. After the 2020 season, he established himself as a core special teamer and led the Broncos in special teams snaps.
A signature moment arrived on October 22, 2022, when Locke recorded his first NFL career interception, picking off a pass from quarterback Jordan Love to seal a Broncos home win against the Green Bay Packers. The play highlighted his growth from a practice squad player to a trusted member of Denver’s defense. On March 16, 2023, Locke re-signed with Denver, reinforcing his long-term role with the team.
On March 11, 2024, Locke signed a two-year, $7 million contract extension with the Broncos, further cementing his value to the organization. During this era, he continued to contribute on defense and special teams while taking on a leadership role in the locker room. His development from a fringe roster player to a core contributor became one of the more notable underdog stories on the Broncos roster.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2026-Present)
On March 10, 2026, Locke signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, opening the next chapter of his professional career. The move marked his transition to a new organization after spending six seasons with Denver. He joined the Cowboys wearing jersey No. 1, a fresh number reflecting his new start in the league.
Locke arrived in Dallas as an experienced defensive back and a proven special teams performer. His track record of tackling, forcing fumbles, and delivering in key moments made him a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ secondary and special teams units. The change of scenery offered him a chance to bring his veteran presence to a new defensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Locke’s career came in the 2024 playoffs, when he suffered an injury in a Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills. He successfully underwent a spinal fusion surgery, a procedure from which no NFL player had ever previously returned, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. His first career interception against the Green Bay Packers in 2022 also stands out as a defining highlight of his Denver tenure.
P.J. Locke Career Stats
Across his NFL career, P. J. Locke has accumulated 174 total tackles, 4 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 11 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions. His statistical production reflects his role as a versatile defensive back who contributes on defense and special teams. While his tackle and disruption numbers tell only part of the story, they highlight the consistency he has brought to the field throughout his career.
Denver Broncos Highlights
During his six seasons with the Denver Broncos, Locke established himself as a core special teams player and a reliable contributor on defense. He led the Broncos in special teams snaps after the 2020 season and went on to record his first career interception in 2022 against the Green Bay Packers. His steady presence helped anchor Denver’s coverage and core units for several years.
Pittsburgh Steelers Highlights
Locke’s time with the Pittsburgh Steelers was brief, as he was signed as an undrafted free agent in April 2019 and waived during final roster cuts that August. Though short, the experience gave him his first taste of an NFL locker room and helped him prepare for his next opportunity in Denver.
| Team | Years | Total Tackles | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| Denver Broncos | 2019-2025 | 174 | 2 |
P.J. Locke Family
Family Background and Personal Life
James Abner “P. J.” Locke III was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, where he attended Central High School. He is identified as the third in his family line, suggesting a family tradition and pride reflected in his full name. His journey from Southeast Texas to the NFL highlights the strong support system that helped shape his career path.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, P. J. Locke continued his role with the Denver Broncos, contributing on defense and as a leader of the special teams units. His presence remained important to the team’s coverage units and run support, while he also took on rotational snaps in the secondary. The season was the final chapter of his long run in Denver before his move to Dallas.
Locke’s 2025 campaign reflected the consistency that defined his Broncos tenure, with steady tackling and disciplined play across multiple phases of the game. His veteran experience continued to provide stability for a young Denver roster, even as his contract situation signaled an approaching change. By season’s end, his body of work in Denver cemented his reputation as one of the more reliable special teams performers of his era.
Looking ahead, Locke’s signing with the Dallas Cowboys positions him to bring his experience and toughness to a new defensive system in 2026. His proven track record on special teams and his growth as a defensive back suggest he will remain a valuable contributor at the next stop of his career.
