SEATTLE — Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette is retiring six months after suffering a serious neck injury in a game last season.
In a news conference, Lockette, 29, said that life goes on.
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He said he plans to dedicate his time his kids -- and to those in need: the homeless and victims of domestic violence.
After undergoing successful neck surgery in Dallas in November, Lockette stopped to feed the homeless on his way home.
Coach Pete Carroll, WR and friend Doug Baldwin, and family sat in the audience, listening to Lockette's announcement.
When asked if it was hard leaving his career, Lockette said, no, because he loves his family and wants to walk.
"I want to say thanks to my family. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today," he said.
In a news release from the Seahawks, Lockette played in 34 games with one start in his five-year career, recording 22 receptions for 451 yards and four touchdowns.
Lockette was knocked out and remained motionless on the field for several minutes after a hit by Cowboys safety Jeff Heath during the Nov. 1 victory over Dallas.
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He was eventually strapped to a backboard and taken off the field. Lockette underwent surgery at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas the next day to stabilize his neck.
Lockette gave a big "thank you" to firefighters, paramedics, and trainers for saving his life after his horrible, life-threatening injury hit last fall. He said at the time, without them, he would have lost his life.
"I didn't really realize how serious it was until it was over," Lockette said in a video taken at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Redmond-Professional-Firefighters-and-Paramedics-1659630974302758/?fref=photo">Redmond Fire Station</a>. "[The doctor said] if I would had stood up then [when I was hurt] the weight of my head -- left, right, front, back -- I would have died."
He said in the news conference again on Thursday, that he gives honor to first responders.