Danny Lockett facts for kids

Dannie Key "Danny" Lockett (born July 11, 1964) is an American former professional football linebacker. He played for two seasons with the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). Danny was chosen by the Lions in the sixth round of the 1987 NFL draft. He played college football at the College of the Sequoias and the University of Arizona. He also played for other teams like the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets in the NFL. Later, he joined the London Monarchs in the World League of American Football (WLAF). He also played in the Arena Football League (AFL) for teams such as the Detroit Drive/Massachusetts Marauders and Orlando Predators.

Early Life and College Football

Dannie Key Lockett was born on July 11, 1964. His hometown is Fort Valley, Georgia. He went to Peach County High School in Fort Valley.

Danny started his college football journey at the College of the Sequoias in 1983. After that, he played for the Arizona Wildcats at the University of Arizona. He was part of their team from 1984 to 1986. He was a key player in 1985 and 1986. In 1986, his senior year, coaches named him second-team All-Pac-10. This was a big honor for his performance.

Professional Football Career

Danny Lockett began his professional career in 1987. The Detroit Lions picked him in the sixth round of the 1987 NFL draft. He was the 148th player chosen overall. He officially joined the team on July 25, 1987.

Playing for the Detroit Lions

During the 1987 season, Danny played in 13 games for the Lions. He started one of those games. He recorded one sack and recovered one fumble. He missed three games that year because of a player strike. In 1988, he played in all 16 games. He had another sack and one more fumble recovery. The Lions released him on September 1, 1989.

Time with the San Francisco 49ers

On March 20, 1990, Danny signed with the San Francisco 49ers. However, his time with the team was short. He was released on June 20, 1990.

Success with the London Monarchs

Danny Lockett then joined the London Monarchs in the World League of American Football (WLAF). In the 1991 WLAF season, he started all ten games. He had an impressive 65 tackles and 14 sacks. He also forced three fumbles and recovered three. The Monarchs had a great season, finishing with a 9–1 record. They won the first-ever World Bowl (World Bowl '91). They beat the Barcelona Dragons 21–0. Danny was named first-team All-WLAF. He also earned WLAF co-defensive MVP honors for his outstanding play in 1991.

Brief Stint with the New York Jets

After his success in the WLAF, Danny signed with the New York Jets on June 18, 1991. He was later released by the Jets on August 6, 1991.

Return to the Monarchs

Danny returned to the London Monarchs in 1992. He continued to play well, recording 14 sacks and one interception. For the second year in a row, he was named first-team All-WLAF. The Monarchs finished the 1992 season with a 2–7–1 record.

Arena Football League Career

Danny Lockett moved to the Arena Football League (AFL) in 1993. He played in 11 games for the Detroit Drive. In the AFL, players often played both offense and defense. This was known as "ironman rules." Danny was an offensive lineman and defensive lineman. He had 39 solo tackles, eight sacks, and one interception he returned for a touchdown. He was recognized as first-team All-Arena for the 1993 season. The Drive had an 11–1 record. They reached ArenaBowl VII but lost to the Tampa Bay Storm.

In 1994, the Detroit Drive became the Massachusetts Marauders. Danny played in nine games that season. He had 17 solo tackles and four sacks. He earned first-team All-Arena honors for the second year in a row.

Danny played for the AFL's Orlando Predators in 1995. He appeared in seven games. He recorded ten solo tackles and one sack.

In 1996, Danny started the AFL season with the Connecticut Coyotes. He played in five games. He also caught two passes for 23 yards and two touchdowns.

Later in 1996, he played in nine games for the Texas Terror of the AFL. He had 12 solo tackles and three sacks. He also caught four passes for 45 yards.

Danny Lockett finished his professional career in 1997. He played in six games for the Milwaukee Mustangs of the AFL. He recorded five solo tackles and one sack.