Michael Gallup, the former Dallas Cowboys standout, shocked the football world by announcing his retirement from the NFL at the age of 28. This unexpected decision came shortly after he joined the Las Vegas Raiders, who placed him on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday.
Gallup's Journey with the Cowboys
Gallup's career in the NFL began when he was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. The wide receiver quickly made a name for himself, starting 67 out of 86 games during his tenure with the team. His most impressive season came in 2019 when he recorded 1,107 receiving yards and scored six touchdowns, averaging an impressive 16.8 yards per catch. Over his time with the Cowboys, Gallup accumulated 266 catches for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdowns, maintaining a strong 14.1 yards per catch average.
The Impact of Injury
Gallup's career progress was significantly impacted by an ACL injury. Despite this setback, he managed a noteworthy comeback, logging 73 catches for 822 yards and six touchdowns in 31 games post-injury. However, in his last three seasons with Dallas, his stats saw a decline with 108 catches for 1,287 yards and eight touchdowns.
Release and New Beginnings
In March, the Cowboys released Gallup despite three years and $45.55 million remaining on his contract. This marked a significant change in his career trajectory. Seeking a fresh start, Gallup signed a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Las Vegas Raiders in May. Unfortunately, this new chapter was short-lived as he soon announced his retirement.
Impact on the Raiders
The Raiders now face an unexpected gap in their roster. Gallup was expected to bring experience and skill to the team's receiving corps. His retirement adds to the challenges for the Raiders, who are already dealing with several key players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, including LB Darien Butler, G Jake Johanning, G Jackson Powers-Johnson, WR Jalen Guyton, and T Kolton Miller.
Michael Gallup's career, marked by both highs and challenging lows, leaves a lasting impact on those who watched him play. His decision to retire at such a young age brings an early end to a promising NFL journey.