Michael Gallup Calls it a Career at 28
Michael Gallup, once a promising wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 28. The announcement comes after the Las Vegas Raiders placed Gallup on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday.
The wide receiver joined the Raiders this offseason, signing a one-year deal worth up to $3 million in May. This move came after the Cowboys released Gallup in March, despite him having three years and $45.55 million remaining on his contract.
Drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by Dallas, Gallup quickly carved out a niche for himself among the Cowboys’ receiving corps. His most impressive season came in 2019, when he recorded 1,107 receiving yards and six touchdowns while averaging an impressive 16.8 yards per catch. Gallup started 67 out of 86 games with the Cowboys, demonstrating his consistent value to the team’s offense.
Over his tenure with Dallas, Gallup amassed 266 catches, 3,744 yards, and 21 touchdowns, maintaining an average of 14.1 yards per catch. Unfortunately, his productivity waned in his last three seasons with the team, where he recorded 108 catches for 1,287 yards and eight touchdowns.
Gallup’s career was notably impacted by an ACL injury, which required significant recovery time. In the 31 games post-injury, he managed 73 catches for 822 yards and six touchdowns, highlighting his resilience and determination to return to form. However, it was clear that the injury had a lingering impact on his performance.
Gallup’s retirement is not the only significant roster update for the Raiders this week. Several key players including LB Darien Butler, G Jake Johanning, G Jackson Powers-Johnson, WR Jalen Guyton, and T Kolton Miller were placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This news compounds the challenges for the team as they head into the new season.
Gallup’s decision to retire at a relatively young age underscores the tenuous nature of professional football careers. Despite the physical setbacks, his time on the field showcased his talent and perseverance. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, Gallup’s story will serve as a reminder of both the heights of athletic success and the physical toll it exacts.