P.J. Locke is opening up about recovery from offseason back surgery.

The Broncos safety posted a 14-minute video Tuesday to his YouTube channel entitled “My Breakthrough” as the first episode of a personal documentary series.

The video description said there was “no guarantees that P.J. would return to play football ever again” after undergoing “spinal fusion surgery” on his back. The video begins with Locke discussing his recovery about six months later while seated in a whirlpool.

“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 said. “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.”

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Locke, 28, went undrafted out of the University of Texas before signing a free agent deal with the Broncos.

He’s appeared in 74 games over the last five seasons in Denver. Locke emerged as a full-time starter last year opposite safety Brandon Jones after the Broncos cut ties with veteran Justin Simmons. Locke underwent MRI testing shortly after the Broncos fell in an AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Bills. He said on YouTube: “As soon as I stepped foot out of the MRI, when we get the results back, they’re like: You need to get back surgery like right now.”

He pulled back the curtain on his rehabilitation process. Locke shared a video from Feb. 10, 2025, during his first medical visit following surgery with Dr. Chad Prusmack. He explained that Locke suffered a degenerated disc with bone-on-bone between his L4 and L5 vertebrae. Prusmack said he fused the spine with a “cage” and screws.

“How I felt the first week after surgery. It’s like: ‘Oh my God. I don’t know how I’m going to get better after this,’” Locke said.

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But Locke remained optimistic after his medical checkup with improved mobility and less pain. He said that simple tasks like walking upstairs became easier. The video ends with him giving Prusmack a hug in the doctor’s office.

Locke was in attendance at Broncos mandatory minicamp but did not participate in practice or drills. He is expected to compete for safety snaps this season with newcomer Talanoa Hufanga (signed in free agency from the 49ers). Veterans will report to training camp at Broncos Park on July 22.