Michael Gallup, a talented wide receiver who once had bright horizons in the NFL, has announced his retirement at the age of 28. The Las Vegas Raiders placed him on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday, putting an end to his short stint with the team.
Gallup's journey took a significant turn when he joined the Raiders this offseason. In May, he signed a one-year deal worth up to $3 million, but he will not get a chance to showcase his skills in the silver and black. His move to Las Vegas followed a notable tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Gallup's release from the Cowboys in March came as a surprise to many, given that he had three years and $45.55 million remaining on his contract. His time in Dallas was highlighted by a standout season in 2019, where he recorded 1,107 receiving yards and six touchdowns, averaging an impressive 16.8 yards per catch.
During his tenure with the Cowboys, Gallup started 67 out of 86 games, proving to be a reliable and consistent presence on the field. His overall statistics with the team include 266 catches for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdowns, with an average of 14.1 yards per catch. Gallup's latter years in Dallas were marred by an ACL injury, impacting his performance and raising questions about his durability.
Despite the challenges, Gallup managed to make significant contributions even post-injury. In his final three seasons with Dallas, he logged 108 catches for 1,287 yards and eight touchdowns. Post-recovery statistics revealed 73 catches for 822 yards and six touchdowns in 31 games, demonstrating his resilience and determination to bounce back.
Gallup’s unexpected retirement has echoed through the NFL community, with the Raiders also having to contend with other roster adjustments. Several 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. These moves have left the Raiders with substantial gaps to fill as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Michael Gallup's career may have been cut shorter than anticipated, but his impact on the field and his ability to overcome adversity are undeniable. As Gallup steps away from the game, the memories of his high-flying catches and dynamic plays will remain a highlight reel in the minds of many football fans.