ASHBURN, VA - After two seasons away from the game, veteran wide receiver Michael Gallup is officially back. The former Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants wideout has signed with the Washington Commanders, reigniting a career that spanned over 15 seasons and saw him rack up over 8,600 receiving yards in the 2K Online Franchise league.
"There’s a lot of meat on that bone," Gallup said during his introductory press conference. "I got a lot of fire up in me." The 33-year-old last played in Season 20, where his Cowboys fell to the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round, 38-10. That would be his final appearance-until now.
Career Numbers That Speak for Themselves
Gallup's numbers are nothing short of prolific. Across 199 games, he totaled:
- 549 receptions
- 8,628 receiving yards
- 53 receiving touchdowns
- 93.7% catch rate
- 15.7 yards per catch
- Longest reception: 96 yards
He also made limited but effective contributions in the run game, with 95 rushing yards on 23 attempts and 6 broken tackles. After spending eight seasons with the Cowboys and four with the Giants, Gallup returned to Dallas for the tail end of his career before stepping away from football. His best statistical season came in Season 22 with the Giants, when he posted 949 yards on 57 receptions and 5 touchdowns.
"I’m Bringing That Fire"
Gallup's return isn't about reclaiming a WR1 role - it’s about bringing energy, leadership, and grit to a young Washington squad. "I ain't necessarily got to be the top wide receiver on the team," he said. "But I just want to be a part of it. I’mma bring that fire. I'mma bring that juice." He also emphasized his excitement about learning from Terry McLaurin and new teammates like Deebo Samuel, saying, "That's straight knowledge out there, man. I still got a lot of room to grow."
Trust in Dan Quinn
Gallup credited head coach Dan Quinn - who coached him during his days in Dallas - as a major reason he chose Washington. "When we were at the old team, he was the DC and still checked up on me as a wide receiver," said Gallup. "He looks out for everybody, not just his players." That relationship helped make the Commanders an easy decision.
Washington Hopes Veteran Addition Sparks Offensive Turnaround
Jayden Daniels returns for his third season following a tough campaign in which Washington finished 3-14 and dead last in passing offense. While Daniels showed flashes of dual-threat potential, he struggled to consistently move the ball through the air, ranking 27th in the league in passing yards. The addition of Gallup is aimed at providing the young quarterback with a reliable veteran target to help stabilize the offense.
Gallup, who FaceTimed with Daniels shortly before signing, said he's ready to step up. "I just got to make sure I'm on my P's and Q's to help him out," Gallup said. "He's got so much room to grow. The ceiling's high for him." As for the rivalry between Dallas and Washington? Gallup shrugged it off.
"Half the folks back in Dallas, they're not even there anymore," he said. "So I'll be playing a whole new team." Still, he had a message for Commanders fans who've spent years rooting against him:
"You're gonna have to root for me regardless. We gonna be out here winning."
