Dak Prescott, Drake Maye send heartfelt messages after former Cowboys QB announces sudden retirement
Will Grier is calling it a career. The former Cowboys and Panthers quarterback has decided to close the book on his NFL career. The veteran announced his retirement after seven seasons, bringing an end to a journey that included stops with six franchises. While he never became a long-term starter, reactions from around the league showed the impact he had on teammates who shared the locker room with him.Messages poured in soon after his Instagram post.
Dak Prescott, Drake Maye, Christian McCaffrey, Jake Ferguson and A.J. Brown all took a moment to congratulate him. Their comments quickly became one of the biggest talking points surrounding his retirement.Dak Prescott and Drake Maye lead wave of support for Will Grier after retirement announcementWill Grier shared the news through Instagram after taking part in the Carolina Panthers' offseason program.
The Panthers later confirmed his decision by placing him on the reserve/retired list.Dak Prescott, who spent four seasons alongside him with the Dallas Cowboys, posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram Story. He wrote, "Never retired, just switching lanes. Congrats, my brother."The two worked closely in Dallas, where they spent years together in the quarterback room.
Prescott's message reflected the bond they built during that time.Patriots quarterback Drake Maye also reacted in the comments section of the retirement post on Instagram. He wrote, "704 made🔥"Former Panthers teammate Christian McCaffrey added one of the most heartfelt responses in the same comment section.
"Legend man. Loved playing with you. Also sickest way to retire haha 'retired today.'"Also,Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson remembered an important moment from the start of his NFL career. "First NFL pass came from the Thrill golden arm. Changed my life."Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown also shared his congratulations in the comments.
"Congrats fam. Glad our paths crossed! 🤞🏾"The number of current NFL players who responded made it clear that the former Cowboys quarterback earned plenty of respect, even though his playing opportunities remained limited. Panthers move ahead after Will Grier calls time on NFL careerThe Panthers selected Will Grier in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft after a standout career at West Virginia.
He made two starts during his rookie season, completing 28 of 52 passes for 228 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions.Grier's career later took him to the Cowboys, Bengals, Patriots, Chargers and Eagles before he returned to Carolina on a one-year deal this offseason. He entered camp competing with Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett and rookie Haynes King for a roster spot before deciding to retire.Although his NFL résumé never matched his success in college, Will Grier remained a valued teammate throughout his career.
At West Virginia, he threw for 7,354 yards and 71 touchdowns in two seasons and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. The Panthers now move into training camp with Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett and Haynes King in the quarterback room, while the former Cowboys quarterback leaves the NFL with something every player hopes to earn: the respect of those who shared the field with him.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.
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