One of the most recognizable brands in spring football is opting for retirement ahead of his 2026 season. P.J. Walker, who rose to prominence (and relevance) during his time with the Houston Roughnecks has informed the Calgary Stampeders that he will be retiring prior to the CFL season after nine years in professional football.
Walker spent parts of three seasons, with the Indianapolis Colts from 2017 to 2019. His upside and potential caught the eye of then teammate Andrew Luck, whose father Oliver Luck served as the 1st commissioner of the 2020 XFL. Walker would join the 2020 Houston Roughnecks, and under the Air-Raid offense would record a 5-0 record throwing for over 1,300 yards, and 15 touchdowns in 5 games. After COVID-19 shortened the 2020 XFL season, Walker would sign with the Carolina Panthers after the league ceased operations.
Walker would build a solid career in Carolina reuniting with former Temple HC Matt Rhule. Walker would go on to earn over 5 million dollars from 2020 to 2024 with four NFL teams, before eventually joining the Stampeders of the CFL after his release from the Seattle Seahawks in 2024.
Walker would spend a little over a season and change in Calgary, eventually making his CFL debut in 2025, starting one game.
Walker's career is one of resilience and speaks volumes for the success of spring football, between his financial success and along with his success on the field provide an example of the possibilities/benefits of having a league like the UFL.
Walker collectively has thrown for 3,865 yards, 23 touchdowns, while rushing for 10 touchdowns.