Stampeders QB P.J. Walker retires after 9 pro seasons

Calgary Stampeders quarterback P.J. Walker announced his retirement Thursday after nine professional seasons, capping a career that spanned the NFL, XFL and CFL.

The 31-year-old American, who signed with the Stampeders in October 2024, spent his initial time with the club on the practice roster. In 2025, he served as backup to starter Vernon Adams Jr., suiting up for 13 games and making one start in Week 9 at Ottawa. Walker completed 35 of 59 passes for 395 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He also rushed seven times for 32 yards and one touchdown.

"The Stampeders have been informed that quarterback P.J. Walker has decided to step away from football after nine years as a professional," the team stated on X.

Walker, from Elizabeth, New Jersey, went undrafted out of Temple University in 2017, where he set school records for completions, passing yards and touchdown passes, leading the Owls to multiple bowl games. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent but spent three years on their practice squad without regular-season action.

His professional breakthrough came with the XFL's Houston Roughnecks in 2019, where he started five games. Walker debuted in the NFL...