Will Grier Bio
William Grier is an American professional football quarterback who currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft after an accomplished college career at Florida and West Virginia. Known for his strong arm and athletic ability, Grier has spent parts of multiple seasons on various NFL rosters while continuing to develop as a professional quarterback.
Early Life and Background
Will Grier was born on April 3, 1995, in Davidson, North Carolina. He attended SouthLake Christian Academy in Huntersville, North Carolina, before transferring to Davidson Day School in Davidson, North Carolina. During his high school career, Grier established himself as an exceptional quarterback with record-breaking performances. As a junior, he threw for a national record 837 yards in a single game, breaking the previous record of 764 yards. As a senior, he accumulated 4,989 passing yards with 77 touchdowns, leading the nation and setting a North Carolina state record. He also contributed 1,251 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns that season.
Grier was named the Parade All-American Player of the Year and Mr. Football USA, and he finished his high school career with 14,565 passing yards, 195 touchdown passes, 2,955 rushing yards, and 31 rushing touchdowns. He was rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, ranked as the second-best dual-threat quarterback in his class and the 46th player overall. He received scholarship offers from several major programs including Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wake Forest, ultimately committing to play at the University of Florida.
Path to the NFL
After an impressive high school career, Grier began his college football journey at the University of Florida in 2014. He redshirted his freshman season after competing with Treon Harris for the backup quarterback position behind Jeff Driskel. As a redshirt freshman in 2015, Grier competed with Harris for the starting job and received significant playing time. He threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns in his debut against New Mexico State and followed with a 151-yard performance against East Carolina in his first start. His best performance came on October 3, 2015, against Ole Miss, where he went 24-of-29 for 271 yards and four touchdowns in the first half, becoming the first Florida quarterback since Chris Leak in 2005 to achieve that feat.
In October 2015, Grier received a one-year suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He stated that the positive test resulted from the supplement Ligandrol and that he was unaware it was banned. After his appeal was rejected by the NCAA, he announced his transfer from Florida in December 2015. On April 6, 2016, Grier committed to West Virginia University, sitting out the 2016 season per NCAA transfer rules.
Will Grier Career
West Virginia Mountaineers (2017-2018)
Upon arriving at West Virginia, Grier became the presumed starter heading into the 2017 season. After questions about his eligibility due to his previous suspension, the NCAA granted him a waiver on June 20, 2017, allowing him to become eligible for the season opener against Virginia Tech. In his West Virginia debut, Grier threw for 371 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a 31-24 loss to Virginia Tech. He continued his strong play with a 352-yard, five-touchdown performance in a comeback victory over Texas Tech, earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors.
However, Grier suffered a broken finger on his throwing hand during a game against Texas in the 11th game of the season, requiring surgery and ending his campaign early. He finished the 2017 season with 3,490 passing yards and 36 total touchdowns, earning Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors. After considering entering the 2018 NFL Draft, Grier announced his return to West Virginia for his senior season in December 2017.
In 2018, Grier was named the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and was listed on watch lists for several national awards including the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and Davey O’Brien Award. He was also recognized as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate. Grier had a standout senior season, passing for 3,864 yards, 37 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He was named Second-team All-Big 12 and was awarded the 2018 Senior CLASS Award as the outstanding senior student-athlete among Football Bowl Subdivision schools.
Carolina Panthers (2019-2021)
Grier was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round with the 100th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he served as the third-string quarterback behind Cam Newton and Kyle Allen. On December 16, 2019, Grier made his first career NFL start against the Indianapolis Colts, throwing for 224 yards and three interceptions in a 38-6 loss. In the season finale against the New Orleans Saints, he threw for four yards and a pick-six before suffering a foot injury in the second quarter.
In 2020, the Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater in free agency to become the starting quarterback under new head coach Matt Rhule. Grier was passed on the depth chart by P.J. Walker and did not play in any games that season. He was declared inactive for most of the final 11 contests. On August 31, 2021, Grier was released after the Panthers decided to keep only two quarterbacks on their roster.
Dallas Cowboys (2021-2023)
On September 1, 2021, the Dallas Cowboys claimed Grier off waivers, adding him as the third-string quarterback behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush. He was declared inactive for 16 games during the 2021 season. In 2022, Grier was waived on August 30 and signed to the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster on October 5 to provide depth while Prescott recovered from a thumb injury. He served as the backup to Rush but did not see game action and was declared inactive for the final 11 weeks.
On August 26, 2023, the Cowboys acquired Trey Lance, prompting them to inform Grier he would be among the final roster cuts. He was given the opportunity to play the entire preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he recorded 305 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns. On August 29, Grier was waived by the Cowboys.
League Journey (2023-2024)
Following his release from Dallas, Grier signed with the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on August 30, 2023. On September 22, he was signed by the New England Patriots off the Bengals practice squad. He was waived and re-signed to the Patriots practice squad multiple times before being released again. On December 18, 2023, Grier was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers off the Patriots practice squad to serve as backup to Easton Stick.
On March 23, 2024, Grier signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who had previously worked with him in Dallas. He was released during final roster cuts on August 26 and signed to the practice squad. He was released from the practice squad on November 7, 2024.
Dallas Cowboys Return (2024-Present)
On November 12, 2024, Grier returned to the Dallas Cowboys, signing with their practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on January 4, 2025, providing additional quarterback depth for the team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Grier is known as a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm capable of making all the throws at the NFL level. His athletic ability allows him to extend plays outside the pocket and pick up yards on the ground when passing lanes are covered. He demonstrated his mobility during his college career at West Virginia, where he accumulated significant rushing production alongside his passing numbers. His experience in multiple offensive systems throughout his NFL career has shown his adaptability and football IQ.
Notable Events and Milestones
Grier’s professional career has been marked by several significant moments, including his first NFL start with the Panthers in 2019 and his impressive 305-yard, four-touchdown performance against the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2023 preseason. His college career included record-setting performances at Davidson Day School and sustained excellence at West Virginia, where he accumulated over 7,300 passing yards and 73 total touchdowns across two seasons.
Will Grier Career Statistics
Across his NFL career, Grier has appeared in limited game action, primarily serving as a backup and third-string quarterback on various rosters. His college career at West Virginia represents his most extensive playing experience at the collegiate level.
College Highlights
At West Virginia from 2017 to 2018, Grier threw for a combined 7,354 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions over 22 games. He earned Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors in 2017 and Second-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2018. His 2018 season included a 3,864-yard, 37-touchdown performance that positioned him among the top quarterbacks in the conference.
Professional Statistics
Through the 2024 season, Grier has appeared in limited NFL games. In his brief appearances, he has recorded passing yards and interceptions while continuing to develop as a professional quarterback. Most of his professional experience has come during the preseason, where he has showcased his arm talent and mobility.
Will Grier Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Grier was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the oldest child of Chad Grier and Elizabeth Grier-Floyd. His father, Chad Grier, is a football coach and former quarterback for the East Carolina Pirates, passing his football knowledge and passion to his son. Grier has two brothers, Nash and Hayes, and a half-sister Skylynn Elizabeth Floyd and a half-brother John Henry Hank Grier. His brothers Nash and Hayes gained early popularity on Vine, the now-defunct video-sharing platform, before their football careers.
Personal Life
Grier is married to Jeanne Marie O’Neil. The couple has two daughters together. Grier maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his accounts on X and Instagram where he shares updates about his career and family life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a significant chapter in Will Grier’s NFL journey as he returns to the Dallas Cowboys roster. After joining the practice squad in November 2024 and earning a promotion to the active roster in January 2025, Grier has positioned himself as a valuable depth piece behind the Cowboys starting quarterback. His familiarity with the organization and previous experience in their offensive system under various coordinators provide him with an advantage as he competes for playing time.
The Cowboys coaching staff has recognized Grier’s continued development and arm strength, which was on display during his standout preseason performance against Las Vegas. His ability to contribute on special teams and in emergency situations adds value to his roster spot. The team has maintained stability at the quarterback position, allowing Grier to focus on refining his craft and being prepared when called upon.
Looking ahead, Grier’s trajectory with the Cowboys remains promising as he continues to work within their system. His professional approach and consistent preparation have earned him the respect of coaches and teammates alike. The organization values his experience across multiple NFL franchises and his understanding of various offensive schemes. As the season progresses, Grier looks to carve out a more significant role while contributing to the team’s success.