Will Grier is walking away from the NFL, and Dak Prescott made sure his former Dallas Cowboys teammate received a proper sendoff.
“Never retired, just switching lanes. Congrats, my brother,” Prescott wrote on his Instagram Story after Grier announced his retirement on Wednesday, July 15, per Essentially Sports (via Yahoo News).
The Carolina Panthers placed the 31-year-old quarterback on the reserve/retired list July 15, ending a seven-season NFL run that came full circle. Carolina drafted Grier in 2019 and brought him back on a one-year deal in April, but his return ended before training camp.
The move leaves Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett and rookie Haynes King in the Panthers’ quarterback room.
Grier spent four seasons alongside Prescott across two stints with the Dallas Cowboys, building a friendship that stretched beyond the depth chart. Their connection was on full display during Grier’s unforgettable preseason farewell in 2023.
After acquiring Trey Lance, Dallas told Grier he would be released—but also handed him the ball for the entire preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders.
With Prescott calling the offense, Grier torched Las Vegas for 305 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two more scores on the ground in a 31-16 victory.
The congratulations also came from across the NFL. Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson credited Grier with an important career first, writing, “First NFL pass came from the Thrill golden arm. Changed my life.”
Christian McCaffrey added, “Legend man. Loved playing with you. Also sickest way to retire haha ‘retired today.’”
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye commented, “704 made🔥,” while A.J. Brown wrote, “Congrats fam. Glad our paths crossed! 🤞🏾”
A third-round pick out of West Virginia, Grier made two regular-season starts as a Panthers rookie and finished his NFL career with 228 passing yards. He later moved through Cincinnati, New England, Los Angeles and Philadelphia before rejoining Dallas in 2024. The Eagles even gave him a Super Bowl ring after releasing him during their championship season.
Grier’s NFL numbers were limited, but his football résumé ran deep. He threw for 8,556 yards and 81 touchdowns between Florida and West Virginia after a record-setting high school career in North Carolina.
