Michael Gallup Announces Retirement at 28
In a surprising turn of events, wide receiver Michael Gallup has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 28. The Las Vegas Raiders placed Gallup on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday, marking an unexpected end to a promising career.
Gallup joined the Raiders in the offseason after signing a one-year deal worth up to $3 million in May. His tenure with the Raiders, however, was short-lived as he decided to hang up his cleats before the regular season even began. This announcement comes just months after the Dallas Cowboys released him in March, despite having three years and $45.55 million remaining on his contract.
Journey with the Cowboys
Selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Gallup quickly showcased his talents on the field. One of his standout seasons came in 2019, when he recorded 1,107 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and an impressive average of 16.8 yards per catch. Throughout his time with the Cowboys, he started in 67 out of 86 games, underscoring his importance to the team's offensive strategy.
During his tenure with Dallas, Gallup amassed 266 catches for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 14.1 yards per catch. However, injuries marred his last few seasons, significantly affecting his performance. Gallup's numbers dipped during his final three years with the Cowboys, where he recorded 108 catches for 1,287 yards and eight touchdowns. A significant factor in this decline was an ACL injury from which he had to recover, a challenge for any professional athlete.
Despite his injuries, Gallup managed to contribute significantly post-recovery, collecting 73 catches for 822 yards and six touchdowns in 31 games. His efforts demonstrated his resilience and determination to perform at the highest level, even in the face of physical setbacks.
Raiders' Roster Adjustments
Gallup's retirement coincides with several other adjustments in the Raiders' roster. Key players, including linebacker Darien Butler, guards Jake Johanning and Jackson Powers-Johnson, wide receiver Jalen Guyton, and tackle Kolton Miller, were placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. While the team's strategy for the upcoming season will undoubtedly adapt to these changes, Gallup's sudden departure adds another layer of complexity to the Raiders' offseason planning.
As the NFL community reflects on Michael Gallup's career, it is clear that he made a significant impact during his years on the field. From his breakout seasons with the Dallas Cowboys to his brief stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, Gallup's contributions to the sport have been substantial.