Michael Gallup Talks NFL Retirement: I Wasn't in 'Right Head Space' After Cowboys Exit

Wide receiver Michael Gallup discussed his brief retirement in 2024 after his six-year tenure with the Dallas Cowboys came to an end.

The 29-year-old explained that he wasn't "in the right head space," per ESPN's John Keim.

"The way I was let go from being in some place for so long and then jumping to a whole other team and not being able to process it," Gallup said. "I never went through that before. It was fast for me and I wasn't there yet."

He was selected by the Cowboys with a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft and was with the organization from 2018-23 before signing a one-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Gallup retired prior to the start of Las Vegas' training camp, though.

He came out of retirement to sign a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders on Thursday.

"There's a lot of meat on that bone," Gallup said, per Keim. "I've got a lot of fire up in me."

He served as a complimentary option in Dallas' passing attack throughout his final few years with the organization, hauling in 34 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns in 2023.

Gallup should operate in a similar role for a Washington team coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance. While the Commanders still have two-time Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin, they lost Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency.

Washington also traded a 2025 fifth-round pick in order to acquire Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers.

While suddenly leaving Dallas played a role in Gallup's initial retirement, he appears to be much more prepared for a change of scenery as he enters his inaugural season with the Commanders.