Charlotte native, former Panthers quarterback ends NFL career
The Carolina Panthers announced Wednesday that Will Grier, a Charlotte native and the club's 2019 third-round draft pick, has retired from professional football at age 31. Grier, who signed with the Panthers earlier this year, played for multiple NFL organizations over the last several seasons primarily as a backup and practice-squad player.
Grier attended Davidson Day School in Charlotte, where he threw for 195 touchdowns in 38 games before signing with the University of Florida as a four-star recruit in 2014. He later transferred to West Virginia, where after sitting out one season he completed his collegiate career with 7,354 passing yards and 71 touchdowns, completing 65.7% of his passes.
Selected by Carolina in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Grier made two NFL starts during his rookie season. He was released by the Panthers in 2021 following the club's addition of Sam Darnold. Since then he spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles, largely as depth or on practice squads. Grier received a Super Bowl ring from the Eagles after Philadelphia's victory in Super Bowl LIX.
Immediate impact on Panthers roster and local stakes
Grier's retirement reduces the number of quarterbacks on the Panthers' roster just days before training camp begins. As announced by Carolina, the team's quarterback room now includes starter Bryce Young, veteran Kenny Pickett and undrafted rookie Haynes King from Georgia Tech.
- Grier's departure narrows the pool of experienced backups in Charlotte ahead of camp.
- The move comes with the Panthers scheduled to open preseason play Aug. 6 in the Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals.
- Local fans and communities that followed Grier since his Davidson Day and college days lose a hometown player on the active roster.
Career snapshot
| Category | Figure |
|---|---|
| High school touchdowns (Davidson Day) | 195 in 38 games |
| West Virginia passing yards | 7,354 |
| West Virginia touchdowns | 71 |
| Draft | 2019, third round |
| Age at retirement | 31 |
For Charlotte and North Carolina football communities, Grier’s path—from local high school standout to college transfer and to a pro career that included a Super Bowl ring—reflects both local talent development and the uncertain trajectories of NFL quarterbacks who serve largely as backups. With the Panthers focused on Bryce Young's development and preparing for the preseason, Grier's retirement is a reminder of roster turnover and the continual search for depth at the game's most critical position.
Training camp opens next week, and the Panthers will carry three quarterbacks into preparations for the preseason opener Aug. 6 in Canton, Ohio.
