Michael Gallup is returning to the NFL, but staying in the division he knew best prior to his surprising retirement.
Gallup has signed with the Washington Commanders, the team announced Thursday.
Gallup spent his first six seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, peaking in 2019 with a 1,107-yard, six-touchdown season before injuries (including an ACL tear in 2021) hampered him in subsequent campaigns. He left Dallas in 2024 for Las Vegas, signing a one-year deal with the Raiders before abruptly retiring last summer.
As Gallup explained Thursday, the change was too overwhelming for him, prompting him to walk away from the game.
“I just think that the way that I was let go from being in some place for so long and then jumping right into another team and not being able to process ‘cause I never went through that before," Gallup said at his introductory news conference. "Trying to figure out how to process that and everything. I think it was just fast for me, and I wasn’t there yet.”
Given nearly a year to process his new reality, Gallup concluded he still wanted to play. He kept himself in shape and expressed a desire to return two weeks ago, leading to his new employment with a Commanders team coming off a remarkable turnaround season.
“I’ve maintained all year because you’ve gotta keep that," Gallup said. "I knew I was going to try my best to try to get back into the league right when I retired. I’ve maintained. … We’re good to go right now.”
Washington allowed two 2024 pass-catching contributors to leave when Olamide Zaccheaus walked to Chicago and Dyami Brownsigned with Jacksonville, opening a need at the position. The Commanders have since filled those spots with trade pickup Deebo Samuel and Gallup.
With 2024 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels at the controls, they'll hope their changes produce results equal to or better than what they received last season. After reaching the NFC Championship Game, the expectations will remain high.
As a member of the NFC East, we'll see if Gallup can rediscover the form that powered him in Dallas.