Calgary Stampeders quarterback P.J. Walker has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, bringing an finish to a nine-year career that included stints with five NFL teams, including the Cleveland Browns. The Canadian Football League (CFL) team confirmed Walker informed them of his decision on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Walker’s journey to professional football was unconventional, marked by perseverance and multiple opportunities across different leagues. He initially went undrafted out of Temple University in 2017, spending two seasons on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad. His breakthrough came in the 2020 XFL season with the Houston Roughnecks, where he excelled, leading the league in completions (119), passing yards (1,338), and touchdowns (15) in just five games before the league suspended operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That XFL performance opened doors in the NFL, and Walker signed with the Carolina Panthers, where he is perhaps best remembered. He had a 5-4 record as a starter for the Panthers and threw for 2,135 yards, six touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over his NFL career. A highlight of his time in Carolina was a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown pass to D.J. Moore, a moment that remains a signature play for both players.
In 2023, Walker joined the Cleveland Browns, appearing in six games and making two starts amidst a season where the team utilized five different quarterbacks – Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Jeff Driskel, and Walker himself. Despite the quarterback carousel, the Browns managed an 11-win season and secured a playoff berth. Walker completed 49% of his passes for 674 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions during his time in Cleveland, according to the Calgary Stampeders announcement.
After his time with the Browns, Walker signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL for the 2025 season, making one start. The CFL announced Walker’s retirement on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “PJ Walker is calling it a career!”
PJ Walker is calling it a career!
— CFL (@CFL) April 30, 2026
Walker’s career demonstrates a remarkable ability to adapt and find opportunities in various football landscapes. He navigated practice squads, the XFL, and the NFL, ultimately leaving the game “on his own terms,” as the CFL noted. His story is a testament to the dedication required to sustain a professional football career, even amidst constant change and competition.
The Browns, meanwhile, continue to navigate their quarterback situation. Deshaun Watson recently was ruled out due to a right shoulder injury, and P.J. Walker was slated to start against the San Francisco 49ers before his retirement. The team’s quarterback depth will now be further tested as they move forward.
Walker’s retirement marks the end of an improbable career that began with limited opportunities and blossomed through hard work and a willingness to embrace new challenges. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience and a memorable highlight reel for fans of the XFL, the Carolina Panthers, and even the Cleveland Browns.
The next confirmed action for the Cleveland Browns is their game against the San Francisco 49ers, where a new quarterback will take the field in Watson’s absence. Fans can find updates on the Browns’ quarterback situation and game coverage on the team’s official website and through NFL.com.
