ATLANTA, GA – Former NFL athlete Ricardo Lockette was apprehended in Atlanta earlier this week, as indicated by local arrest records. The ex-football player is facing a series of charges, which include possession of a weapon during a felony attempt, having a vehicle with an altered VIN, and receiving stolen property.
Georgia-born Lockette, who played college football at Fort Valley State University, started his professional career undrafted in 2011. Despite the initial setback, he eventually joined the Seattle Seahawks.
During his career, Lockette had brief periods with the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears practice squads. However, he returned to the Seahawks in 2013. His career was cut short in 2016 due to a severe neck injury. Notably, Lockette was part of the 2013 Seahawks team that secured the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.
According to court documents, Georgia State Patrol troopers were conducting surveillance when Lockette was spotted leaving an area in a vehicle with a suspicious tag. A traffic stop was conducted by troopers and Atlanta Police officers, leading to the discovery that the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX Lockette was driving had been reported stolen.
Lockette informed the authorities that he had purchased the truck on a social media marketplace. However, his information was inconsistent. The key FOB found in his possession was for a different Ram model, and the vehicle identification number displayed on the truck was fraudulent. Court records also indicated that the vehicle had been reported stolen in March 2023. Additionally, Lockette had a suspended license and was found in possession of a handgun.
In 2014, Lockette was investigated for possible sexual misconduct during his time with the 49ers, but no charges were filed.