Seahawks’ Ricardo Lockette shares love, thanks at ‘We Day’ in Seattle
Apr 21, 2016, 10:41 AM
Ricardo Lockette told a crowd at "We Day" that he owes his recovery to support from his fans. (AP)
(AP)
If Ricardo Lockette is never able to return to the football field, he might consider a gig as a motivational speaker.
Lockette, who suffered a major neck injury while playing for the Seahawks last season, enchanted the thousands in attendance at “We Day,” a celebration of youth making a difference in their local and global communities, at KeyArena on Wednesday. Lockette, who is currently a free agent and has said he’s contemplating a return to a football, was joined by others with Seahawks connections, including coach Pete Carroll, wide receiver Doug Baldwin and pop singer Ciara, who is engaged to quarterback Russell Wilson.
Lockette told the crowd the story of losing feeling in his body following a hit during an otherwise typical game last season against the Dallas Cowboys. The Seattle Times quoted the 29 year old as saying he is taking his rehab “a day at a time.”
He said he prayed for the little things – like being able to walk again and hug his parents. He then thanked his teammates, family and all of the people of Washington for helping aid his recovery.
“I love you all! I love you all! Thank you so much,” he said. “All the letters that you guys wrote, all the love you sent on Instagram on Facebook and everything, that’s what helped me push through it.”
Lockette told the attendees that, in his youth, there was nobody who could sway him from his dreams.
“There was nothing my teacher or my parents could tell me that was possible that anyone has ever done that I couldn’t do because I feel like they put their pants on the same way I do; they went to school just like I did,” he said. “So what makes them better than me? Nothing.
“Anything is possible,” he added. “Believe in yourself. It’s all about you. Whatever you think you want to be, whatever you think you want to do, you can do it. You can do it.”
When asked by 710 ESPN Seattle’s Gee Scott about the secret to success, Lockette said it all starts with having a plan.
“Figure out who you want to be, make a plan, execute, repeat,” he said.
