Christian McCaffrey reacts to Will Grier’s NFL retirement after 7 seasons

Christian McCaffrey has joined the chorus of NFL stars reacting to Will Grier’s retirement announcement.

The Carolina Panthers quarterback revealed his plans to step away from football on 18 June 2025, just weeks before training camps open. Grier, 31, spent seven seasons in the league, including two stints with the Panthers and time on five other franchises.

What happened?

Grier’s retirement came as a surprise to many fans. He kept his post simple, writing only “Retired today” on Instagram. The Panthers drafted him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of West Virginia. After bouncing between teams, he returned to Carolina this offseason to compete for the backup job behind Bryce Young.

Christian McCaffrey’s reaction

McCaffrey, who played alongside Grier during the 2019 and 2020 seasons in Carolina, left a heartfelt message on Grier’s post. “Legend man. Loved playing with you. Also sickest way to retire haha ‘retired today,’” McCaffrey wrote. The Panthers traded McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, where he has since become one of the NFL’s most productive running backs.

League-wide tributes pour in

Grier’s retirement drew responses from several NFL stars. A.J. Brown called him “Congrats fam. Glad our paths crossed!” while Drake Maye referenced their shared North Carolina roots with “704 made.” Trey Lance and Jake Ferguson also chimed in, praising Grier’s impact on their careers.

What comes next for Grier?

The big question now is what Grier does next. The Athletic reported on 19 June 2025 that the Dallas Cowboys had offered him a coaching role before he signed with the Panthers this year. According to Chad Grier, Will was leaning toward taking the job before Carolina called. That door remains open as he weighs his next move.

The 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey was among the first to celebrate Grier’s career, marking another chapter in a story that still feels fresh for both players.