Michael Gallup, born on March 4, 1996, is an American professional football wide receiver whose career has been marked by both significant achievements and periods of adversity. From his unconventional path to the NFL to his recent signing with the Washington Commanders, Gallup’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and the unwavering desire to compete at the highest level. This article delves into his journey, exploring his college career, time with the Dallas Cowboys, injury challenges, and his aspirations with his new team, while also addressing common queries surrounding his career.
Early Life and College Career: Forging a Path
Gallup’s journey to the NFL was not a traditional one. After a successful high school career at Monroe High School in Georgia, where he earned 16 varsity letters across football, basketball, baseball, and track, academic hurdles led him to Butler Community College. This detour proved to be a crucial step in his development. In his freshman year at Butler, he showcased his immense potential by recording 780 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, leading the Jayhawk Conference in yards per catch. An ankle injury cut his sophomore season short, but his impressive performances had already attracted the attention of Division I programs.
Ultimately, Gallup committed to Colorado State University, where he continued to excel. In his first season with the Rams, he was immediately placed in the starting lineup and earned First Team All-Mountain West honors after leading the team with 76 receptions for 1,272 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 14 touchdowns led the conference and were the second-most in school history. His senior year was even more remarkable, as he set a school record with 100 receptions for 1,413 yards and seven touchdowns, earning him consensus All-American recognition and a spot as a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s best receiver. In just two seasons at Colorado State, Gallup etched his name in the program’s record books, finishing his career ranked high in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
NFL Career with the Dallas Cowboys (2018-2023): A Promising Ascent
Gallup’s outstanding college career paved the way for his entry into the NFL. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (81st overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft, providing quarterback Dak Prescott with another dynamic weapon. Gallup quickly established himself as a reliable target. In his rookie season, he recorded 33 receptions for 507 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games, starting eight.
The 2019 season marked a breakout year for Gallup. He became a key part of the Cowboys’ offense, hauling in 66 receptions for a career-high 1,107 yards and six touchdowns. He consistently demonstrated his ability to make plays downfield and developed a strong rapport with Prescott, becoming one of his most trusted targets. During this period, Gallup trailed only Amari Cooper in targets from Prescott, highlighting his significant role in the passing game. His ability to gain yards after the catch was also a notable aspect of his game.
The subsequent seasons presented challenges for Gallup. In Week 2 of the 2019 season, he suffered a meniscus tear, which he played through for several weeks before undergoing surgery. Despite this setback, he continued to contribute when on the field. The 2020 season saw him record 59 receptions for 843 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games, showcasing his resilience and continued productivity.
However, a significant setback occurred late in the 2021 season when Gallup suffered a torn ACL in Week 17 against the Arizona Cardinals. This injury required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process. Despite the severity of the injury, the Cowboys showed their faith in Gallup by signing him to a five-year contract extension in March 2022.
Gallup worked tirelessly to recover and made his return to the field during the 2022 season. While still working his way back to full strength, he played in 14 games, recording 39 receptions for 424 yards and four touchdowns. The 2023 season was his first full season after the ACL injury, where he played in all 17 games, starting 13, and recorded 34 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns. While his statistical output in these post-injury seasons didn’t match his 2019 peak, his presence on the field and his continued professionalism were valued by the Cowboys.
Injury History: Overcoming Setbacks
Throughout his career, Gallup has faced several injury challenges, which have tested his resilience and determination. His documented injury history includes:
2019: Meniscus tear (knee)
2021: Calf strain (Week 1), ACL tear (Week 17)
2022: ACL surgery rehabilitation (preseason), Knee issues (Weeks 2 & 3), Illness (Week 13)
His most significant injury was the ACL tear in 2021, which required extensive rehabilitation and impacted his performance in the following seasons. His ability to return to play after such a serious injury is a testament to his dedication and work ethic.
Recent Developments: Signing with the Washington Commanders
In a surprising turn of events, Michael Gallup announced his retirement from the NFL in the summer of 2024 after signing a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, this retirement was short-lived. In March 2025, Gallup declared his intention to return to the league.
On March 20, 2025, the Washington Commanders announced the signing of Michael Gallup to a one-year, $1.25 million contract, including a $50,000 signing bonus and $200,000 guaranteed. This move keeps Gallup in the NFC East, a division he is familiar with from his time in Dallas. Gallup explained that his brief retirement was due to the overwhelming change of leaving the Cowboys after spending his first six seasons there and quickly transitioning to a new team. The time away allowed him to process this change and reaffirm his desire to play.
The Commanders, coming off a successful season, were looking to add depth to their wide receiver corps after the departures of Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown. The acquisition of Gallup, along with the earlier trade for Deebo Samuel, aims to bolster their receiving options for their promising rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels. Gallup’s experience and familiarity with the division could prove valuable to the Commanders as they look to build on their recent success.
Fantasy Football Outlook: A New Chapter
For fantasy football enthusiasts, Michael Gallup’s move to the Commanders presents a new dynamic to consider. While his recent statistical output has been modest compared to his peak, his new situation offers potential. He joins a receiving group led by Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, which could provide him with opportunities in a potentially less crowded target share than he experienced at times in Dallas.
However, his fantasy outlook remains somewhat uncertain. His performance will depend on his role within the Commanders’ offense, his chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels, and his ability to stay healthy. Currently, he is viewed as a potential late-round flier or a player to monitor on the waiver wire, particularly in deeper leagues. His experience and potential for big plays could make him a valuable asset if he can rediscover his earlier form.
Career Highlights and Notable Moments
Throughout his NFL career, Michael Gallup has had several memorable moments, including:
2019 Season: Achieving his first and only 1,000-yard receiving season with 66 receptions for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns.
Week 17, 2018 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Recording his first career 100-yard game with nine receptions for 109 yards.
Multiple Games with Over 100 Receiving Yards: Demonstrating his big-play ability throughout his time with the Cowboys.
Becoming a Trusted Target for Dak Prescott: Developing a strong connection with the Cowboys’ quarterback, resulting in numerous crucial catches.
Returning from a Torn ACL: Showing incredible resilience and dedication to return to the field and continue his NFL career.
One notable highlight was his performance in Week 17 of the 2018 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he showcased his potential as a primary receiver. His ability to win contested catches and gain significant yardage after the catch became hallmarks of his early career.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Michael Gallup was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He has maintained a relatively private personal life. However, his dedication to his profession and his perseverance through injuries have been well-documented.
Off the field, Gallup has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts. In 2022, he was selected by his teammates as the Dallas Cowboys Courage Award Recipient. He is also known for his involvement in community initiatives in the Dallas area and his Michael Gallup Foundation, which focuses on supporting children and families affected by cancer. This reflects his commitment to giving back and making a positive impact beyond the football field.
Michael Gallup and YouTube Searches: Addressing Common Queries
Based on common search queries related to Michael Gallup on YouTube and Google, here are some of the topics people are interested in:
Michael Gallup Highlights: Fans often search for highlight reels showcasing his best plays, including impressive catches, touchdowns, and big gains. These videos capture his athleticism and impact on the game.
Michael Gallup Injury Updates: During his recovery from the ACL tear, there was significant interest in updates on his rehabilitation progress and expected return date.
Michael Gallup Contract Details: Information about his contract with the Cowboys and now with the Commanders is of interest to fans and those involved in fantasy football.
Michael Gallup Fantasy Football Analysis: Discussions and analyses of his fantasy football value and potential in different seasons are frequently searched.
Michael Gallup Interviews: Fans look for interviews to gain insights into his thoughts on games, his career, and his personal experiences.
Dak Prescott and Michael Gallup Connection: Videos highlighting the chemistry and successful plays between the quarterback and receiver are popular among Cowboys fans.
These search trends indicate a strong interest in Gallup’s on-field performance, his injury status, and his overall value to his team and in fantasy football.
FAQs
Who is Michael Gallup?
Michael Gallup is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Washington Commanders in the NFL. Born on March 4, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, he played college football at Butler Community College and later at Colorado State University, where he earned All-American honors in 2017. Gallup was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (81st overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
What are Michael Gallup’s career statistics?
As of the end of the 2024 NFL season, Gallup has played in 86 regular-season games, recording 266 receptions for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdowns.
What is Michael Gallup’s current team and contract status?
In March 2025, Gallup came out of retirement and signed a one-year, veteran minimum deal worth up to $1.335 million with the Washington Commanders.
Why did Michael Gallup retire and then return to the NFL?
Gallup announced his retirement in July 2024 after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, in March 2025, he decided to return to the NFL, signing with the Washington Commanders.
What was Michael Gallup’s best season?
Gallup’s standout season was in 2019 with the Dallas Cowboys, where he recorded 66 receptions for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns.
What injuries has Michael Gallup faced in his career?
Gallup suffered a torn ACL in Week 17 of the 2021 season, which significantly impacted his performance in the following seasons.
What is Michael Gallup’s background and early life?
Gallup was adopted at 10 months old and grew up in a large family in Monroe, Georgia. He attended Monroe Area High School, where he played multiple sports before focusing on football.
How did Michael Gallup perform in college?
At Colorado State University, Gallup had a prolific college career, especially in his senior year (2017), when he caught 100 passes for 1,418 yards and seven touchdowns.
What was the nature of Michael Gallup’s contract with the Cowboys?
In March 2022, Gallup signed a five-year, $62.5 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys, which included a $10 million signing bonus and $23 million fully guaranteed at signing.
What are the expectations for Michael Gallup with the Washington Commanders?
Gallup is expected to compete for a starting wide receiver position, potentially complementing players like Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. The best-case scenario is that he regains his pre-injury form and becomes a solid contributor to the team’s offense.
To conclude
Michael Gallup’s journey through the NFL has been marked by impressive highs and challenging lows. From his early days as a standout at Colorado State University to his breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2019, Gallup demonstrated the potential to be a top-tier wide receiver in the league. However, injuries, particularly the torn ACL in 2021, significantly impacted his trajectory, leading to decreased performance and eventually his release from the Cowboys.
After a brief retirement in 2024, Gallup’s decision to return to the NFL in 2025 with the Washington Commanders showcases his resilience and determination to contribute at the highest level once again. While the challenges ahead are substantial, especially in regaining his pre-injury form, Gallup’s experience and skill set provide a foundation for potential success. His journey serves as a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity, and fans will be watching closely to see if he can recapture the brilliance that once made him a key player in the NFL.
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