Jul 16, 2026, 6:07 PM CUT
Former Cowboys QB who played just 2 NFL games retires at 31
August 9, 2025, Los Angeles, California, USA: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier 15 in actions against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA preseason football game at SoFi Stadium, Saturday Aug. 9, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. Los Angeles USA - ZUMAc68_ 20250809_zaf_c68_108 Copyright: xRingoxChiux
August 9, 2025, Los Angeles, California, USA: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier 15 in actions against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA preseason football game at SoFi Stadium, Saturday Aug. 9, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. Los Angeles USA - ZUMAc68_ 20250809_zaf_c68_108 Copyright: xRingoxChiux
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier has finally hung up his cleats after the Carolina Panthers put him on the reserved/retired list ahead of the 2026 NFL training camp.
“Carolina Panthers placed 31-year-old veteran quarterback Will Grier on the reserved/retired list today,” Adam Schefter wrote on Instagram. “Grier spent seven NFL seasons with the Panthers, Cowboys, Bengals, Patriots, Chargers and Eagles.”
Drafted 100th overall in the third round, Grier spent seven seasons in the league but played just two games.
August 9, 2025 Inglewood, CA.Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier 15 runs in for the touchdown in action in the fourth quarter during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA pre-season football game. Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams.Mandatory Photo Credit: /Cal Media Inglewood United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20250809_zma_c04_176 Copyright: xLouisxLopezx
August 9, 2025 Inglewood, CA.Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier 15 runs in for the touchdown in action in the fourth quarter during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA pre-season football game. Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams.Mandatory Photo Credit: /Cal Media Inglewood United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20250809_zma_c04_176 Copyright: xLouisxLopezx
According to Pro Football Reference, he has started two games for the Panthers in which he threw for 228 yards with a 53.8 CMP% in 52 attempts.
But what is more surprising is his abrupt retirement. He hasn't dealt with many injuries in his career and remained a backup quarterback throughout his career.
He has completed multiple stints with the Cowboys, Bengals, Patriots, Chargers, Eagles, and the Cowboys again.
With his departure from the Panthers, they are now left with QB1 Bryce Young, with Kenny Pickett and undrafted rookie Haynes King as the backup QBs.
He voluntarily retired ahead of the 2026 NFL season. According to speculation around his future, many NFL pundits believe that he might be looking forward to a coaching job.
Coaching opportunity looms as next chapter for former Cowboys QB
Before joining the Carolina Panthers for the second time, Will Grier was offered a coaching job on Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching staff this year, per Joseph Person of the New York Times.
Although there is still no confirmation around options, based on the past, many NFL analysts believe that he might pursue a coaching career
However, his father, Chad Grier, recalled that Will was considering the idea of becoming a coach with the Dallas Cowboys before the Panthers called to sign him again.
“Man, there’s not a huge chance you’re gonna play (in Carolina) this year. But there’s zero chance you get to play if you’re coaching,” Chad recalled telling his son. “So I would say you stay in that league as a player as long as you possibly can. You have the rest of your life to coach.”
Chad advised him that if he wants to play, going for the Panthers would be the right choice, as it might give him a chance to play. But once he is a coach, then there is no going back.
As of now, there is no certainty around what his future choices would be, but for now he remains a retired quarterback.
Read more at Quarter Back Central!
Written by
Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker