At the relatively young age of 28, Michael Gallup has made the surprising decision to retire from the NFL. The Las Vegas Raiders officially placed Gallup on the reserve/retired list this Tuesday, marking the end of a professional journey that saw its fair share of both peaks and valleys.
Gallup’s latest chapter in the NFL began with some promise when he signed a one-year deal with the Raiders worth up to $3 million in May. Many viewed this as a fresh start after his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys came to an abrupt end in March. The Cowboys released Gallup despite him having three years and $45.55 million left on his contract, a move that raised eyebrows across the league.
Selected by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Gallup quickly made his mark in Dallas. His most notable season came in 2019 when he recorded an impressive 1,107 receiving yards and six touchdowns, averaging a robust 16.8 yards per catch. This performance established Gallup as a formidable presence in the league, showcasing his ability to make big plays downfield.
During his five-season tenure with the Cowboys, Gallup started 67 of 86 games, a testament to his reliability and consistent performance. Over this period, he amassed a total of 266 catches for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdowns. His average of 14.1 yards per catch underscores his knack for gaining significant yardage with each reception.
However, Gallup’s career was not without its challenges. He faced a major setback when he suffered an ACL injury, an obstacle that takes a significant toll on any athlete, particularly one who relies on speed and agility. Yet, Gallup showed resilience, collecting 73 catches for 822 yards and six touchdowns in 31 games post-injury. These statistics may not reflect the same explosive potential he displayed early in his career, but they demonstrated his tenacity and determination to return to the field.
In his final three seasons with Dallas, Gallup’s productivity was somewhat diminished, with 108 catches for 1,287 yards and eight touchdowns. Despite the dip in numbers, his contributions to the team remained valuable, and he continued to be a favorite target for his quarterbacks.
Gallup’s retirement comes amid a series of roster adjustments for the Raiders. The team has placed several other 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. These moves indicate a period of transition for the franchise as they navigate injuries and roster changes.
For Michael Gallup, stepping away from the game at 28 is a decision shrouded in the complexities of professional sports. Whether driven by physical toll, personal considerations, or a combination of factors, his retirement signifies the end of a chapter filled with notable achievements and undeniable grit. As he transitions to life beyond the field, Gallup leaves behind a legacy that reflects both his prowess as a player and his resilience in the face of adversity.