Why did Michael Gallup retire? Explaining former Raiders, Cowboys WR's decision to hang it up after 6-year career

Michae Gallup is retiring from football just a day before the Raiders begin training camp.

The 28-year-old wide receiver signed a one-year contract with Las Vegas during the offseason after spending six seasons with the Cowboys. He posted over 3,700 career receiving yards and 21 touchdowns since entering the league in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Prior to the announcement, Gallup was with the Raiders for OTAs and minicamp. He was expected to compete for the third wide receiver spot behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers.

Instead, the former third-round pick will hang his cleats up. Here's why Gallup retired from the NFL.

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Why did Michael Gallup retire?

It's currently unknown why Gallup retired, especially since he won't turn 29 until March 2025. The six-year veteran has not commented on his retirement yet. News broke when the Raiders placed him on the reserve/retirement list, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport .

Gallup spent all six years with the Cowboys, breaking out for 1,100-plus yards in his second season. He never replicated that, failing to surpass 500 in the past three years.

He never quite established himself as a strong No. 2 receiver and was likely fighting to be the No. 3 wideout for the Raiders this season. Instead, he's called it quits after six years as a pro.

The wear and tear that football induces is also a probable reason for Gallup's early retirement. He was generally healthy throughout his career, but hits take a toll over time. Gallup may have wanted out before a serious injury forced him to retire.

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Michael Gallup career stats

Michael Gallup career earnings

Gallup signed two contracts in addition to his rookie deal in 2018. He agreed to a five-year extension with the Cowboys in 2022, but Dallas released him after two seasons.

His latest deal was a one-year deal with the Raiders worth $1.75 million. The contract could have reached as much as $3 million.

Gallup had three years and $45.55 million remaining on his extension when the Cowboys released him after the 2023 season.

Las Vegas Raiders WR depth chart

Gallup was in position to be the No. 3 wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2024 season. He would have been behind Adams and Meyers.

Here's how the depth chart looks with Gallup off the roster.

• Davante Adams
• Jakobi Meyers
• Tre Tucker
• Kristian Wilkerson
• Jalen Guyton
• DJ Turner