Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier has retired from the NFL at the age of 31.
Grier was picked by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2019 Draft and played in two NFL games across his career, with both appearances coming in his rookie season.
He went on to join an array of other NFL teams in a backup capacity, including the Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Grier announced his retirement with a very brief statement on Instagram, sharing three pictures from his college and NFL career and the caption: ‘Retired today.’
His post got an array of encouraging comments from players from across his football career, led by the San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.
‘Legend man,’ McCaffrey, a teammate of Grier’s at the Panthers, wrote. ‘Loved playing with you. Also sickest way to retire haha “retired today”‘.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier has retired from the NFL at the age of 31
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey led the tributes to Grier
Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson thanked Grier for throwing him his first NFL pass in a preseason game, writing: ‘First NFL pass came from the Thrill golden arm. Changed my life.’
Davis Webb, the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, said: ‘Hell of a QB, even better dude. Congrats brotha!’.
Grier’s decision comes days before the Panthers return to practice camp on July 21 as preparation for the 2026 season takes a major step forward.
It means Panthers head coach Dave Canales has three quarterbacks on the books in starter Bryce Young, backup Kenny Pickett and third-choice Haynes King.
Last season, the Panthers narrowly lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Los Angeles Rams.
They start the 2026 year with a clash against the Chicago Bears on September 13 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
