Broncos safety P.J. Locke underwent spinal fusion surgery
The 28-year-old defensive back revealed in a 14-minute YouTube documentary, "My Breakthrough," that he underwent spinal fusion surgery this offseason. It's an uncommon procedure for active NFL players, but former quarterback Peyton Manning did continue his pro football career after multiple surgeries.
Locke said that after the Broncos were knocked out of the playoffs in January, he had an MRI and was told he needed immediate back surgery. The video's description says there were "no guarantees" Locke would be able to play football again, but about six months post-surgery, he provided a positive update.
'Even the little bit of pain I do have from certain movements, it's nothing compared to what I was dealing with during the season,' Locke says in the video. 'I feel like it's been a miracle. I feel like it's a breakthrough I've been praying for. It came out of a blessing that I wasn't expecting.'
Locke suffered through his back injury last fall, playing exactly 1,000 snaps on defense. Players named Locke the team's Ed Block Courage Award winner at the end of the season. Recipients of the award demonstrate "exceptional courage, great character and inspiring effort."
After undergoing surgery with Dr. Chad Prusmack, Locke will now compete for playing time in Denver's secondary following the arrival of new safety Talanoa Hufanga. Broncos coach Sean Payton has said wide receiver A.T. Perry is the only player expected to be sidelined at the start of training camp, which presumably means Locke is on track to return to the field when camp begins later this month.
Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
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We're not pushing the panic button. We're pushing the work button.' Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
