Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke has undergone spinal fusion surgery this offseason, a significant procedure rarely performed on active NFL players. In a YouTube documentary titled "My Breakthrough," Locke shared that after the Broncos' playoff exit in January, he learned from an MRI that he required immediate back surgery with uncertain prospects for a return to football. Six months post-surgery, Locke expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that the pain he now experiences is minimal compared to what he endured last season.

Locke's surgery highlights the severity of his previous injury, which had him on the field for 1,000 defensive snaps last fall. He described his recovery as miraculous, emphasizing a newfound sense of relief and hope for his career in the NFL.