Michael Gallup Announces NFL Retirement at Age 28
In a surprising turn of events, Michael Gallup has announced his retirement from the NFL at just 28 years old. The Las Vegas Raiders, who signed Gallup this offseason, placed the wide receiver on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday. Gallup had recently inked a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Raiders in May.
Gallup’s retirement marks the end of an eventful and productive career that began when he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Over his tenure with the Cowboys, Gallup showcased his athletic prowess and became a key component of their offensive unit.
A Career with the Cowboys
Gallup made an immediate impact upon entering the league. His most impressive season came in 2019, where he recorded 1,107 receiving yards and scored six touchdowns, averaging a remarkable 16.8 yards per catch. Over five seasons with the Cowboys, Gallup started 67 out of 86 games, a testament to his consistency and reliability on the field.
During his time in Dallas, Gallup amassed 266 catches for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 14.1 yards per catch. Despite his contributions, the Cowboys decided to release Gallup in March, leaving three years and $45.55 million remaining on his contract. The decision was undoubtedly tough for both Gallup and the organization, but football is a business, and sometimes difficult choices must be made.
Injuries and Challenges
Gallup's career wasn't without its challenges. He suffered an ACL injury that required time and effort to recover fully. Post-injury, Gallup recorded 73 catches for 822 yards and six touchdowns in 31 games. While his numbers remained respectable, they highlighted the difficult journey of bouncing back from a significant injury in a highly competitive environment.
In the last three seasons with Dallas, Gallup logged 108 catches for 1,287 yards and eight touchdowns. These statistics reflect both his skill and determination, as well as the ups and downs experienced by many professional athletes.
Transition to the Raiders
Looking for a fresh start, Gallup joined the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. The one-year deal worth up to $3 million in May seemed like an ideal opportunity for him to rediscover his best form and make a solid impact. However, fate had different plans. Though brief, his time with the Raiders will be remembered as his final professional chapter.
In addition to Gallup's retirement, the Raiders also placed several other players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, including linebacker Darien Butler, guards Jake Johanning and Jackson Powers-Johnson, wide receiver Jalen Guyton, and tackle Kolton Miller.
The Final Reflection
As Michael Gallup steps away from the NFL, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and talent. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, Gallup made significant contributions to the team’s offense, especially noted during his breakout 2019 season. Despite facing setbacks, including a serious ACL injury, Gallup's dedication to the game never wavered. His career statistics with the Cowboys — 266 catches, 3,744 yards, and 21 touchdowns — underscore his value as a key offensive player.
His retirement at the age of 28 serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional demands placed on professional athletes. While fans and teammates alike will miss his presence on the field, they will undoubtedly respect his decision and reflect on his moments of brilliance. Michael Gallup’s journey through the NFL may have come to an early end, but his contributions to the game will not be forgotten.