Jake Lockett Breaks Silence on ‘Chicago Fire’ Exit Ahead of Season 13 Finale: ‘It’s Been an Honor’

Chicago Fire’s Jake Lockett has publicly addressed his upcoming exit from the series and shared sweet behind-the-scenes moments from his time on set.

“While I don’t exactly know what the future looks like, I do know that it won’t be exactly what it was and I am going to miss the hell out of that,” Lockett, 40, confessed via Instagram on Monday, April 28, confirming his departure ahead of season 14. “So much pride in this journey.”

The actor, who plays Sam Carver on the NBC series, shared a video featuring moments with his Chicago Fire brethren, including silly clips between takes. “Almost forgot that this is the whole point,” Lockett wrote alongside the montage.

Lockett didn’t reveal how his character will exit the show this season — the season finale airs on Wednesday, May 21 — but he did reminisce about the journey.

“It’s been an honor bringing Sam to life and to every one of you, thank you for the love and support over the past three years,” he continued.

Lockett then highlighted his castmates and the crew, writing, “And most importantly, the people that I was on the ground with day and night … thank you for the family you are and times you have been and will be there for me.”

He reassured his pals, “If you’re not in one of these clips, there will be more to follow. So many cherished memories.”

Lockett’s bittersweet sendoff video was posted a few weeks after news broke that two Chicago Fire series regulars would not be returning if the show gets a season 14.

Lockett and Daniel Kyri, who plays Darren Ritter, were listed as the two actors reportedly leaving the show after season 13, according to Deadline.

The outlet claimed on April 16 that the surprise departures might be the result of alleged budget cuts, and since they aren’t the only actors whose contracts are up this season there could be more casting shakeups.

Kyri, 30, joined the series in 2018 as Engine 51 firefighter Ritter. The actor confirmed his upcoming goodbye via social media on April 16, writing, “I will miss this character, and it’s time to move on. Thank you to the cast, crew & the awesome fans.”

Lockett, meanwhile, has been playing Truck 81 firefighter Carver since 2022. It’s unclear how either character will be written off, especially since Carver only recently returned to Firehouse 51 after taking leave to deal with his alcohol problems.

During the Wednesday, April 23, episode, Carver teamed up with ex-flame Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) to track down a fake paramedic who was putting people’s lives in jeopardy. The reunion caused many fans to think it was the start of a rekindled romance — but with Lockett’s impending exit, those dreams could very well be shattered.

Chicago Fire airs on NBC Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.