What Happened to Will Grier?
Will Grier, a former NFL quarterback known for his prolific college career at West Virginia, was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2019. After a journeyman professional career that saw him play for multiple teams, he returned to the Panthers in April 2026 before ultimately announcing his retirement from professional football on July 15, 2026, at the age of 31.
Quick Answer
Will Grier retired from professional football on July 15, 2026, at the age of 31. He had recently rejoined his original team, the Carolina Panthers, in April 2026 for a second stint. Throughout his NFL career, Grier primarily served as a backup quarterback and practice squad member, appearing in only two regular-season games, both during his rookie year with the Panthers. His decision to retire came just months after considering a coaching position with the Dallas Cowboys.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Named Parade All-American Player of the Year
Will Grier concluded a record-setting high school career at Davidson Day School, earning national recognition as the Parade All-American Player of the Year.
Becomes Starting QB at Florida
As a redshirt freshman, Grier became the starting quarterback for the Florida Gators, leading them to a 6-0 start.
Suspended for PEDs
Grier was suspended by the NCAA for one year after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, effectively ending his time at Florida.
Transfers to West Virginia
After leaving Florida, Grier transferred to West Virginia University, where he would sit out the 2016 season due to NCAA transfer rules.
Finishes 4th in Heisman Voting
Grier concluded his standout collegiate career at West Virginia, finishing fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting and earning Second-team All-Big 12 honors.
Drafted by Carolina Panthers
Will Grier was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round (100th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Makes First NFL Starts
Grier made his first and only two regular-season NFL starts for the Carolina Panthers during his rookie year.
Journeyman NFL Career
After leaving the Panthers, Grier spent time with the Dallas Cowboys (two stints), Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles, primarily as a practice squad or backup quarterback.
Released by Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys released Will Grier after signing Sam Howell, ending his second stint with the team.
Signs with Carolina Panthers (Second Stint)
Grier signed a free-agent deal to return to the Carolina Panthers, the team that originally drafted him, to serve as a third-string quarterback.
Considered Cowboys Coaching Offer
It was revealed that Grier had considered an offer to join the Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff after the 2025 season, prior to rejoining the Panthers as a player.
Announces NFL Retirement
Will Grier officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, with the Carolina Panthers placing him on the reserve/retired list.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Will Grier's football journey began with a record-setting high school career at Davidson Day School in North Carolina, where he amassed 14,565 passing yards and 195 touchdown passes, earning national recognition as the Parade All-American Player of the Year. He initially committed to the University of Florida, where he showed promise as a redshirt freshman in 2015, leading the Gators to a 6-0 start before being suspended for a year due to a positive PED test.
Following his suspension, Grier transferred to West Virginia University, where he revitalized his career and became a collegiate star. In two seasons (2017-2018) with the Mountaineers, he threw for 7,354 yards and 71 touchdowns, finishing fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2018 and earning Second-team All-Big 12 honors. His impressive college performance led to him being selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round (100th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.
However, Grier's NFL career did not mirror his collegiate success. He started two games for the Panthers in his rookie season, completing 28 of 52 passes for 228 yards, zero touchdowns, and four interceptions. These would be his only regular-season appearances in the NFL. After his initial stint with the Panthers (2019-2020), Grier embarked on a journeyman career, spending time with numerous teams, often on practice squads or as an offseason roster member. He had two stints with the Dallas Cowboys (2021-2022, 2024-2025), and also played for the Cincinnati Bengals (2023), New England Patriots (2023), Los Angeles Chargers (2023), and Philadelphia Eagles (2024).
Despite limited playing time, Grier was often valued for his veteran presence and ability to contribute in quarterback rooms. In early 2026, after being released by the Cowboys in March, Grier signed a free-agent deal to return to the Carolina Panthers in April, marking a reunion with the team that drafted him. Interestingly, prior to rejoining the Panthers, Grier had been offered a position on the Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff, which he nearly accepted, as revealed by his father.
On July 15, 2026, Will Grier announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31. The Panthers placed him on the reserve/retired list, concluding his seven-season NFL career. His retirement leaves the Panthers with Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, and undrafted rookie Haynes King at the quarterback position.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Will Grier made different choices?