After two years of not bagging an NFL contract and with limited opportunities in the CFL, the former Browns’ QB, PJ Walker, is closing an important chapter of his life. 

The 31-year-old quarterback announced his retirement on April 30, 2026, following a stint with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders. In a statement to 3DownNation, Walker made his retirement statement, saying:

“After a great deal of consideration and many conversations with my family and agent, I’ve made the decision to retire from the CFL. As I continue to recover from a shoulder injury, I feel this is the right time for me to step away from the game.”

Continuing his statement, Walker talked about his vision after football.

“Football has given me so much, and I will always carry those experiences with me as I move on to the next chapter.”

PJ Walker’s final three seasons (2023–2025) were a grueling stretch of instability. He battled poor passing efficiency in Cleveland, faced roster cuts in Chicago and Seattle, and struggled with injuries in the CFL.

Walker first made history at Temple University, becoming the program’s all-time leader in passing yards and the first to lead the Owls to back-to-back bowl games. After a three-year grind on the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad, he became the face of the 2020 XFL, leading the Houston Roughnecks to a perfect 5-0 record.  

His resilience led him back to the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and the Cleveland Browns in 2023. During a chaotic season in Cleveland, Walker helped secure wins as one of five quarterbacks to propel the team toward the playoffs. 

He leaves the game as a rare athlete to have started in the NFL, XFL, and CFL. 

Walker’s 2023 Season With the Browns 

Walker entered the Browns as a part of the practice squad. He jumped in during week six when both Deshaun Watson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson were injured. Walker threw only 192 yards, had two interceptions, and had a 52.9% completion rate. But when the 49ers missed their kick at the buzzer, he redeemed the team with his first victory at 1-0 as the QB starter. 

The following week, the Browns faced the Colts with Deshaun Watson starting the game. However, Walker was forced into action early after Watson took a heavy hit in the first quarter. Although Walker struggled with efficiency, completing just 15 of 32 passes for 178 yards and an interception, he remained composed.

Much like the previous week, the Browns benefited from late-game whistles, including a controversial illegal contact penalty that nullified a Colts fumble recovery. These breaks allowed Walker to lead a final scoring drive, securing a gritty 39-38 victory.

The 2023 Cleveland Browns season was defined by QB chaos. Between injuries to Deshaun Watson and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the team cycled through five starters. Jeff Driskel came in later as an emergency signing, while PJ Walker kept the season alive with grit. 

Veteran Joe Flacco provided late-season stability, leading Cleveland to the playoffs. Despite the instability, the Browns found a way to succeed in one of the most unusual seasons in franchise history.

What do you think of Walker's career?

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi