Spring 2025
Football

Tyler Lockett proclaims 'God gets all the glory forever' after being released by Seahawks

By Cole Claybourn Mar 6, 2025
NFL wide receiver Tyler Lockett, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Tyler Lockett’s time in Seattle has come to an end. The veteran wide receiver was released by the Seahawks on Wednesday, marking the end of a 10-year stint as one of the best receivers in franchise history.

Drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Kansas State, Lockett ranks second in franchise history behind Hall of Famer Steve Largent in catches (661), receiving yards (8,594) and receiving touchdowns (61). A believer, Lockett made sure to give God the glory following the news.

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“I really enjoyed being in Seattle!” Lockett posted on X. “I met so many great people and captured so many great memories! The 12’s really make this place meaningful! Although, my time on the Seahawks may have run its course I’m thankful for everything!! God gets all the glory forever!!!!”

A Pro Bowl kick returner as a rookie in 2015, Lockett broke out as a receiver in 2018 with 965 yards and 10 touchdowns. He surpassed 1,000 yards in each of the next four seasons, and his 45 touchdowns over that stretch were tied for fourth-most among wide receivers.

In 2021, Lockett joined Largent as the only other receiver in Seahawks history to surpass 1,000 yards in three straight seasons.

“Ultimately, I just thank God for even putting me in this position,” Lockett said after hitting that mark, “because there’s sometimes as individuals we want to go out there and we want to have these certain types of games or we want to have these moments where we can look back at our careers and be happy with it, and the things I’ve wanted to happen for myself are nothing compared to what God has been doing in my life.”

He continued later, “The best stories come when God is able to create the story and tell the story rather than me as an individual trying to tell my own story.”

The decision to release the 32-year-old Lockett didn’t come as a surprise, as his production dwindled and the organization’s priorities shifted under a new head coach. Lockett hinted after the team’s final game in January that he wasn’t sure what his future looked like and knew he may have played his final game in Seattle.

“Maybe this isn’t the end, maybe it is the end,” he said. “But I always will be a Seahawk through and through.”

The Seahawks released several players on Tuesday to save cap space, but waited an extra day to announce their decision on Lockett to allow him to have a pseudo sendoff. General manager John Schneider called Lockett “one of my all-time favorite players.”

Not just a talented football player, Lockett also became known for his character on and off the field. Three times, most recently in December, he was given the Steve Largent Award, voted on by Seattle players in recognition of on- and off-the-field excellence.

In 2021, he was named Seattle’s nominee for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, as well as the team’s nominee for the distinguished Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, given annually to award a player’s volunteer and charity work as well as his play on the field.

A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lockett is active in his community through his Light It Up Foundation, which provides local kids with scholarships and job opportunities, and raising awareness about Black history, like the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

His charity work is fueled by his faith. In his Instagram bio he says, “I’m done building my own Kingdom. I’m here to only build God’s Kingdom!” He has regularly used his social media to share about his faith, including an Instagram highlight titled “Audience of One” where he encourages people to focus on how they’re honoring God, and another highlight titled “Thank you Jesus” where he praises the name and power of his Savior.

“God I don’t know why you choose me but I’m very thankful that I don’t have to be perfect!” Lockett posted on X after signing a contract extension in 2021. “I’m thankful I can praise you in my weakest and darkest moments! Thank you for sending Jesus! Because I’m learning freedom comes from the love of God not perfection!”

Lockett has begun practicing real estate as a licensed agent in both Washington and Texas, seemingly hinting at his post-playing career, but he said he intends on playing in 2025.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

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