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Will Grier

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Will Grier
refer to caption
Grier in 2018
No. 16 – Dallas Cowboys
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1995-04-03) April 3, 1995 (age 29)
Davidson, North Carolina, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
High school:Davidson Day School
(Davidson, North Carolina)
College:Florida (2014–2015)
West Virginia (2016–2018)
NFL draft:2019 / round: 3 / pick: 100
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Practice squad
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 8, 2024
Passing attempts:52
Passing completions:28
Completion percentage:53.8%
TD–INT:0–4
Passing yards:228
Passer rating:33.2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

William Grier (born April 3, 1995) is an American professional football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators and West Virginia Mountaineers and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round in the 2019 NFL draft.

Early life

[edit]

Grier attended SouthLake Christian Academy in Huntersville, North Carolina, then transferred to Davidson Day School in Davidson, North Carolina. As a junior, he threw for a national record 837 yards in a game, breaking the old record of 764.[1][2][3] As a senior, he had 4,989 passing yards with a nation-leading and North Carolina record 77 touchdowns.[4] He also rushed for 1,251 yards with 13 touchdowns.[5] He was named the Parade All-American Player of the Year and Mr. Football USA.[6][7] For his career, Grier had 14,565 passing yards, a state record 195 touchdown passes, 2,955 rushing yards and 31 rushing touchdowns.

Grier was rated by Rivals.com as a four-star recruit and was ranked as the second best dual-threat quarterback in his class and 46th player overall.[8] Grier was offered scholarships to play football at Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wake Forest. He committed to play quarterback at the University of Florida.[9][10]

College career

[edit]

Florida

[edit]

Grier competed with Treon Harris to be Jeff Driskel's backup as a freshman in 2014, ultimately redshirting the season.[11] As a redshirt freshman in 2015, he competed with Harris to be the starting quarterback. Although Harris started the first game of the season against New Mexico State, Grier received playing time, attempting 18 passes and completing 16 for 166 yards with two touchdowns. He rushed for 43 yards with a touchdown. Grier started the second game, against East Carolina, throwing for 151 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.[12][13][14] On October 3, against the Ole Miss Rebels, he had the best game of his young career, going 24-of-29 for 271 yards and four passing touchdowns. He threw his four touchdowns in the first half; he was the first Gator quarterback since Chris Leak in 2005 to accomplish the feat. The game ended up being a 38–10 win for the Gators.

Grier received a one-year suspension, effective October 12, 2015, after it was revealed that he had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He said the positive test stems from the drug Ligandrol, and that he was not aware it was banned, while also admitting he never followed protocol to clear the supplement with team trainers.[15] His appeal was rejected by the NCAA, and he would not be eligible to return until the sixth game of the regular season in 2016.[16][17][18] On December 19, 2015, Florida announced that Grier planned to transfer to another school.[19]

West Virginia

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On April 6, 2016, Grier announced that he was transferring to West Virginia University.[20] He sat out the 2016 season per NCAA transfer rules. Grier was the presumed starter for West Virginia heading into the 2017 season, but there were questions surrounding his eligibility, since half of his year-long suspension was served in conjunction with his transfer waiting period. On June 20, 2017, West Virginia head coach Dana Holgerson announced that the NCAA had granted Grier a waiver and he would be eligible to play in the season opener against Virginia Tech.[21] In his first game with the Mountaineers, Grier threw for 371 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in a 31–24 loss to Virginia Tech. Grier threw for 352 yards and five touchdowns in a come-from-behind victory over then-No. 24 Texas Tech on October 14, and was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week.[22] In the Mountaineers’ 11th game of the season, against Texas, Grier left the game in the second quarter with a broken finger on his throwing hand.[23] Grier had surgery on the broken finger and missed the remainder of the season, finishing with 3,490 passing yards and 36 total touchdowns on the year. At the conclusion of the season, Grier was awarded as Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.[24]

On December 14, 2017, Grier announced he would be returning for his senior season rather than entering the 2018 NFL draft.[25] He was listed on preseason watch lists for several national awards, including the Maxwell Award,[26] Walter Camp Award,[27] and Davey O'Brien Award.[28] Grier appeared in several preseason lists of potential Heisman Trophy candidates.[29][30] At the 2018 Big 12 Media Days, he was announced as the conference's Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and a preseason first-team all-conference selection.[31]

Grier finished the 2018 season with 3,864 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He was named second-team All-Big 12 at the conclusion of the regular season. West Virginia finished with an 8–3 regular season record and was invited to the Camping World Bowl; Grier announced that he would not play in the bowl game, in order to prepare for the 2019 NFL draft.[32] Grier would be named the winner of the 2018 Senior CLASS Award for FBS football as the outstanding senior student-athlete in that grouping of schools.[33]

College statistics

[edit]
Season Team GP Passing Rushing
Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
Florida Gators
2015 Florida 6 105 160 65.5 1,202 10 3 145.6 36 116 3.2 2
West Virginia Mountaineers
2017 West Virginia 11 250 388 64.4 3,490 34 12 162.7 63 122 1.9 2
2018 West Virginia 11 266 397 67.0 3,864 37 8 175.5 48 90 2.9 3
Career[34] 28 621 945 65.7 8,556 81 23 165.2 147 328 2.2 7

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Wonderlic
6 ft 2+1⁄2 in
(1.89 m) 		217 lb
(98 kg) 		31+1⁄2 in
(0.80 m) 		9+3⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 4.84 s 1.68 s 2.81 s 4.28 s 7.09 s 34.0 in
(0.86 m)		 9 ft 4 in
(2.84 m)		 30
All values from NFL Combine[35][36]

Carolina Panthers

[edit]

Grier was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round (100th overall) in the 2019 NFL draft.[37]

In 2019, he was the third-string quarterback behind Cam Newton and Kyle Allen. On December 16, it was announced that Grier would be making his first career start in week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts.[38] During the game, Grier threw for 224 yards, three interceptions and rushed for 17 yards in the 38–6 loss.[39] In Week 17 season finale against the New Orleans Saints, Grier threw for four yards and a pick-six before exiting the game due to a foot injury in the second quarter. The Panthers lost the game 42–10.[40]

In 2020, new head coach Matt Rhule signed free agent Teddy Bridgewater to be the starter at quarterback. Grier was named the third-string quarterback after being passed on the depth chart by P. J. Walker. He did not play in any games and was declared inactive for 9 of the final 11 contests.

In 2021, the team traded for Sam Darnold to be the starter at quarterback. On August 31, Grier was released after the Panthers decided to keep only two quarterbacks on the roster.[41]

Dallas Cowboys

[edit]

On September 1, 2021, Grier was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys, to replace Ben DiNucci as the third-string quarterback behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush.[42] He was declared inactive for 16 contests. He was activated for the season finale but did not play.

On August 30, 2022, Grier was waived by the Cowboys and signed to the practice squad the next day.[43][44] He was elevated to the roster in three games, before being promoted to the active roster on October 5, to provide depth while Prescott recovered from a right thumb injury he suffered in the season opener.[45] He served as the backup to Rush for five games, but did not see any game action and was declared inactive for the final 11 weeks.

On August 26, 2023, the Cowboys acquired Trey Lance to be the team's third-string quarterback. Grier was notified the same day that he would be part of the last cuts, but that he would be given the chance to play the complete preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he posted 305 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns.[46] On August 29, Grier was waived.[47]

Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]

On August 30, 2023, Grier signed with the practice squad of the Cincinnati Bengals.[48]

New England Patriots

[edit]

On September 22, 2023, Grier was signed by the New England Patriots off the Bengals practice squad.[49] He was waived on November 25, 2023, and re-signed three days later to the practice squad.[50][51]

Los Angeles Chargers

[edit]

On December 18, 2023, Grier was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers off the Patriots practice squad.[52] He was acquired to be the backup behind Easton Stick, who took over the quarterback starting job after Justin Herbert was placed on injured reserve with a broken finger.

Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

On March 23, 2024, Grier signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.[53] He reunited with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who had also been the offensive coordinator when Grier played for the Cowboys. He was released on August 26 and signed to the practice squad two days later.[54][55] Grier was released again on November 7.[56]

Dallas Cowboys (second stint)

[edit]

On November 12, 2024, Grier was signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad.

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacks Fumbles
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD Sck SckY Fum Lost
2019 CAR 2 2 0–2 28 52 53.8 228 4.4 0 4 33.2 7 22 3.1 0 6 44 1 1
2020 CAR 0 0 — DNP
2021 DAL 0 0 — DNP
2022 DAL 0 0 — DNP
Total 2 2 0–2 28 52 53.8 228 4.4 0 4 33.2 7 22 3.1 0 6 44 1 1

Personal life

[edit]

Grier is from Charlotte, North Carolina and is the oldest child of Chad Grier and Elizabeth Grier-Floyd. His father is a football coach and was a former quarterback for the East Carolina Pirates.[57][58] He has two brothers, Nash and Hayes, a half-sister, Skylynn Elizabeth Floyd and a half-brother, John Henry "Hank" Grier.[59] Nash, Hayes and Skylynn were popular users of Vine, the defunct video sharing service.[60] Grier is married to Jeanne Marie Grier (née O'Neil) and they have two daughters.[61][62]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "North Carolina prep QB Will Grier throws for 837 yards, 10 TDs in 104–80 state playoff game". Fox News. November 11, 2012. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  2. ^ Grautski, Amara (November 10, 2012). "Davidson Day HS quarterback Will Grier throws for national-record 837 yards in offense-heavy game against Harrells Christian Academy". NY Daily News. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  3. ^ Bradley, Ken (November 1, 2013). "Will Grier: Florida commit, state champion, 837 yards". Sporting News. Archived from the original on October 7, 2015. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  4. ^ Mehrtens, Cliff (January 2, 2014). "Grier's gridiron play stood out locally, nationally". The Herald Weekly. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  5. ^ Smits, Garry (August 12, 2014). "Florida offensive coordinator optimistic about freshman QB Will Grier". Jacksonville.com. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  6. ^ Hays, Chris (February 2, 2014). "Gators' QB Will Grier named Parade player of the year". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  7. ^ Huber, Todd (January 14, 2014). "2013 Mr. Football USA – Will Grier". Student Sports. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  8. ^ "Will Grier". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  9. ^ Abolverdi, Zach (December 19, 2012). "UF picks up commit from top QB". Gainesville.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  10. ^ Mehrtens, Cliff (December 19, 2012). "Davidson Day quarterback Grier commits to Florida". The Herald Weekly. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  11. ^ "Kurt Roper enjoying QB competition between UF freshmen Will Grier and Treon Harris".
  12. ^ "Treon Harris, Will Grier put on show as Florida overwhelms New Mexico State – FOX Sports". September 5, 2015.
  13. ^ Thompson, Edgar. "Will Grier to start at quarterback for Gators Saturday against East Carolina".
  14. ^ Aschoff, Edward (September 10, 2015). "Freshman QB Grier to get 1st start for Gators". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  15. ^ Grier, Will. Grier, Will (October 27, 2015). "A YEAR IN PED PURGATORY". Bleacher Report. Retrieved December 5, 2016.
  16. ^ Brett McMurphy (October 12, 2015). "Florida's Will Grier suspended for one year after positive PED test". ESPN. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  17. ^ Edgar Thompson (October 12, 2015). "Gators QB Will Grier suspended for year for using banned substance". touch.orlandosentinal.com. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  18. ^ Carter, Scott (October 13, 2015). "Answers to some questions people have about Gators QB Will Grier". gatorzone.com. University Athletic Assoc., Inc., Fox Sports Sun & IMG College. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  19. ^ "Will Grier to transfer out of Florida". ESPN.com. ESPN. December 19, 2015. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  20. ^ Haney, Travis (April 6, 2016). "QB Will Grier transfers from Florida to West Virginia". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  21. ^ Fornelli, Tom (June 20, 2017). "QB Will Grier ruled eligible to play in West Virginia's opener vs. Virginia Tech". CBSSports.com.
  22. ^ Daniel, Cody (October 16, 2017). "Will Grier honored as Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, Newcomer of the Week". Dayton Daily News. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  23. ^ Hille, Bob (November 20, 2017). "Will Grier injury update: WVU QB's finger surgery successful, return for bowl will be 'tough'". Sporting News. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  24. ^ "All-Big 12 Football Honors Announced". Big12sports.com. November 30, 2017.
  25. ^ "Mountaineers QB Will Grier to return for senior season". ESPN. December 14, 2017. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  26. ^ "2018 Maxwell Award Watch List". July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  27. ^ Carbone, Al (July 27, 2018). "Walter Camp Football Foundation Announces 2018 Player of the Year Preseason "Watch List"". Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  28. ^ "Davey O'Brien Award Watch List includes 26 players". Davey O'Brien Foundation. July 17, 2018. Archived from the original on July 17, 2018.
  29. ^ Goodbread, Chase (May 15, 2018). "18 for '18: Top Heisman Trophy candidates for 2018". NFL.com.
  30. ^ Niesen, Joan (January 25, 2018). "Heisman Trophy 2018 odds: Bryce Love and other favorites". Sports Illustrated.
  31. ^ "Big 12 Announces Media Preseason Football Team". Big12sports.com. July 11, 2018.
  32. ^ Rittenberg, Adam (December 8, 2018). "Will Grier to focus on preparation for '19 NFL draft". ESPN. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  33. ^ "Will Grier Selected as the 2018 Senior CLASS Award® Winner for FBS Football" (Press release). Premier Sports Management. January 16, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  34. ^ "Will Grier College Stats". Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  35. ^ "Will Grier Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  36. ^ "2019 Draft Scout Will Grier, West Virginia NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  37. ^ Bergman, Jeremy (April 26, 2019). "Panthers draft quarterback Will Grier in third round". NFL.com.
  38. ^ "Will Grier to start for Panthers against Colts". ESPN.com. December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  39. ^ "Hines' long returns help send Colts past Carolina 38–6". ESPN. Associated Press. December 22, 2019. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  40. ^ "Saints take care of Panthers, still hope for playoff bye". ESPN. Associated Press. December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  41. ^ Gantt, Darin (August 31, 2021). "Panthers reduce roster on Tuesday morning". Panthers.com.
  42. ^ Phillips, Rob (September 1, 2021). "Cowboys Claim QB Will Grier Off Waivers". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  43. ^ Eatman, Nick (August 30, 2022). "Cowboys Make 28 Moves To Reach Roster Limit". DallasCowboys.com.
  44. ^ Eatman, Nick (August 31, 2022). "Rush, Grier & Maher Among Practice Squad Signees". DallasCowboys.com.
  45. ^ Alper, Josh (October 4, 2022). "Cowboys will sign Will Grier to active roster". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports.
  46. ^ Archer, Todd (August 27, 2023). "Dak: Grier exit after Lance trade 'tough situation'". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  47. ^ "Will Grier: Parts ways with Dallas". CBSSports.com. August 29, 2023.
  48. ^ Rapien, James (August 30, 2023). "Sources: Bengals Signing Former Cowboys Quarterback Will Grier to Practice Squad". FanNation. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  49. ^ "Patriots Sign QB Will Grier to the 53-man Roster from the Cincinnati Practice Squad; Place DB Marcus Jones on Injured Reserve". Patriots.com. September 22, 2023.
  50. ^ McElroy, Jordy. "Patriots waive QB Will Grier, ahead of Week 12 matchup vs Giants". Patriots Wire. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  51. ^ "Patriots Sign Two Players to the Practice Squad". Patriots.com. November 29, 2023.
  52. ^ Katson, Alex. "Chargers sign QB Will Grier". Chargers Wire. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  53. ^ Boyle, Owen. "Eagles agree to terms with Will Grier on a 1-year contract". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  54. ^ Mcpherson, Chris. "Eagles release 4 players ahead of final roster cutdown". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  55. ^ "Eagles practice squad: Team announces 14 signings". Bleeding Green Nation. SB Nation. August 28, 2024.
  56. ^ McPherson, Chris. "Eagles sign DE Tarron Jackson to the practice squad". philadelphiaeagles.com. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  57. ^ "Gatorzone.com:Will Grier". Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  58. ^ "Chad Grier". Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  59. ^ @ChadGrier_ (March 29, 2019). "Welcome Home Hank!" (Tweet). Retrieved March 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
  60. ^ Anglis, Jaclyn (September 8, 2015). "Who Are Hayes Grier's Siblings? This Family Definitely Represents #SiblingGoals". Bustle. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  61. ^ Raby, John (September 13, 2017). "WVU QB Grier the 3rd most popular brother in his family | College Sports". observer-reporter.com. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  62. ^ Staples, Andy (October 30, 2018). "Centered by Fatherhood, Will Grier Is Enjoying the Final Year of His Winding College Career". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
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