NFL QB courted for Cowboys coaching staff announces sudden retirement

July 15, 2026 - 20:52

Will Grier, a former college star at Florida and West Virginia who was recently being considered for a coaching role with the Dallas Cowboys, has announced his sudden retirement from professional football at age 31. Grier confirmed the decision on social media, ending a career that saw him appear in just two NFL games, both during the 2019 season.

Drafted in the third round by the Carolina Panthers in 2019, Grier struggled to find a foothold in the league. His only regular-season action came as a rookie, where he completed 28 of 52 passes for 228 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions. After stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and New England Patriots, Grier spent the 2024 season on the Cowboys' practice squad. Reports had indicated that Dallas was interested in bringing him onto their coaching staff for the 2025 season, but Grier has instead chosen to step away from the game entirely.

In his retirement announcement, Grier expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received and acknowledged the challenges of his NFL journey. His decision closes the door on what many saw as a promising transition into coaching, leaving the Cowboys to look elsewhere for staff additions.