Michael Gallup Retires From NFL at Age 28
In a move that has surprised many, Michael Gallup, the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, 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 the end of a career that once held significant promise.
Gallup had only just joined the Raiders this offseason, signing a one-year deal worth up to $3 million in May. The deal came after the Cowboys released him in March, despite three years and $45.55 million remaining on his contract. This short-lived stint with the Raiders was to mark a new chapter in Gallup's career.
Stellar Start with the Cowboys
Michael Gallup's NFL journey began with the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent his first six seasons. Drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Gallup quickly made a name for himself. His most impressive season came in 2019. Gallup recorded 1,107 receiving yards and scored six touchdowns, averaging 16.8 yards per catch that season. These stellar stats solidified his reputation as a dependable target and playmaker.
Over his tenure with the Cowboys, Gallup started 67 out of 86 games. He logged 266 catches for 3,744 yards and found the end zone 21 times, averaging 14.1 yards per catch. These statistics underlined his role as an integral part of the Cowboys' aerial attack. His contributions were particularly crucial during his 2019 breakout season, where he achieved over 1,000 receiving yards.
Challenges and Setbacks
The latter part of Gallup's career with the Cowboys was marred by injuries and inconsistency. Despite a promising start, his last three seasons with Dallas saw a dip in production. He recorded 108 catches for 1,287 yards and eight touchdowns during this period. Nevertheless, Gallup remained a valued member of the squad, even after suffering an ACL injury.
Gallup's recovery from that ACL injury posed further challenges. Although he managed to amass 73 catches for 822 yards and six touchdowns in 31 games post-injury, he struggled to return to his peak form. These numbers, while respectable, were a far cry from his career-best season.
A Brief Stint with the Raiders
When Gallup joined the Raiders, there was optimism about his ability to rejuvenate his career. The one-year deal was seen as a fresh start, an opportunity to compete for a roster spot alongside players like Kristian Wilkerson, DJ Turner, and Ramel Keyton. The Raiders, dealing with several player injuries, including putting LB Darien Butler, G Jake Johanning, G Jackson Powers-Johnson, WR Jalen Guyton, and T Kolton Miller on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, could have benefited from Gallup's experience and skill.
However, despite being fully healthy coming into 2023, Gallup's journey with the Raiders has come to an abrupt end. The decision to retire comes as a shock, especially given that Gallup was poised to compete and prove his worth in the new environment.
Legacy and Impact
Michael Gallup's NFL career may have ended prematurely, but his impact on the field will not be forgotten. His 2019 season with the Cowboys stands out as a testament to his talent and potential. His ability to make big plays and his consistency in the first half of his career earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
While injuries and challenges may have curtailed his journey, Gallup's contributions to the Cowboys and his brief association with the Raiders reflect a career that had moments of brilliance and promise. At only 28, his decision to step away from professional football is a personal one, and he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and perseverance.
As the NFL community bids farewell to Michael Gallup, his career will be remembered for the highs, the challenges, and the undeniable talent he brought to the field. His story is one of a player who, despite facing setbacks, showcased his skills at the highest level and earned his place in the annals of the sport.