P.J. Locke

James Abner “P. J.” Locke III Bio

James Abner “P. J.” Locke III is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 12, 1997, in Beaumont, Texas, Locke played college football for the Texas Longhorns from 2015 to 2018 before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. Over his career, Locke has established himself as a core special teams contributor, most notably with the Denver Broncos, where he led the team in special teams snaps and recorded his first career interception. Following six seasons with the Broncos, Locke signed with the Dallas Cowboys in March 2026. Listed at 5 feet 10 inches and 202 pounds, Locke has made 174 career tackles, 4 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 11 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions through the 2025 season.

Early Life and Background

James Abner Locke III was born on February 12, 1997, in Beaumont, Texas. He attended Central High School in Beaumont, where he developed his skills as a defensive back. His high school career laid the foundation for his progression to the collegiate level, earning him the opportunity to continue his football journey at the University of Texas.

Path to Professional Football

Locke played college football for the Texas Longhorns from 2015 to 2018. At Texas, he honed his abilities as a safety and gained valuable experience in the competitive Big 12 conference. His collegiate performance demonstrated his potential as a professional-level defender. Following the 2019 NFL draft, despite not being selected, Locke’s talent attracted attention from NFL teams.

James Abner “P. J.” Locke III Career

Pittsburgh Steelers (2019)

Locke was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft on April 29, 2019. His brief tenure with the Steelers ended when he was waived on August 31 during final roster cuts. This early experience, though brief, provided Locke with his first exposure to NFL training camp and the professional level of play.

Denver Broncos Breakthrough (2019–2025)

Locke signed with the Denver Broncos practice squad on December 17, 2019. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, but was signed back 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. The Broncos promoted Locke to their active roster on September 24, marking the beginning of his steady ascent within the organization.

After the 2020 season, Locke established himself as a core special teamer and led the Broncos in special teams snaps. This role became his identity, showcasing his value on units beyond the starting defense. On March 16, 2023, Locke re-signed with Denver, reflecting the team’s confidence in his contributions. 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. This moment represented a significant milestone in his professional career.

On March 11, 2024, Locke signed a two-year, $7 million contract extension with the Broncos. This deal highlighted his importance to the team after years of reliable special teams play. Following the 2024 season, Locke suffered an injury in a Wild Card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. He successfully underwent a spinal fusion surgery that no NFL player had ever previously returned from, demonstrating his resilience and determination to continue his career.

Dallas Cowboys Era (2026–Present)

On March 10, 2026, Locke signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. This move marked a new chapter in his career as he joined a new organization following his successful tenure in Denver. The signing reflected Locke’s reputation as a reliable special teams player and veteran presence in the NFL.

Driving Style and Strengths

Locke has built his NFL career on his exceptional special teams abilities. His football IQ, tackle efficiency, and consistency on special teams units have made him a valuable asset for every team he has played for. His capacity to contribute on multiple special teams formations and his willingness to embrace a non-glamour role have defined his professional identity.

Notable Events and Milestones

Locke’s first career interception against the Green Bay Packers on October 22 stands as a defining moment in his career. Additionally, his recovery from spinal fusion surgery represented unprecedented territory for NFL players, establishing him as a remarkable case of perseverance in professional football.

James Abner “P. J.” Locke III Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career from 2019 through the 2025 season, Locke has compiled solid statistics across multiple categories while primarily contributing on special teams. His 174 career tackles and 4 sacks demonstrate his ability to make plays when called upon, while his 2 interceptions highlight his impact in the defensive secondary.

Family

Public information regarding James Abner Locke III’s family background, parents, or personal relationships is not widely available. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented a pivotal year in Locke’s career with the Denver Broncos. Building on his core special teams role, Locke continued to serve as a reliable contributor for the Broncos’ special teams units. His leadership and experience proved valuable as the team navigated the regular season. The Wild Card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills marked a dramatic conclusion to his Broncos tenure, though his season ended prematurely due to injury. Despite this setback, Locke’s resilience and determination to return to football after undergoing a groundbreaking spinal fusion surgery showcased his character and commitment to the sport.