XFL Star P.J. Walker Journeys Back Into The NFL For A Second Chance
P.J. Walker with the Houston Renegades
Troy Taormina - USA Today Sports
Former XFL quarterback P.J. Walker found himself back on an NFL roster as he signed a 2-year, 1.57 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. This news came about only a day after it was announced that Carolina had released their franchise quarterback, Cam Newton.
Although Walker made it to the NFL back in 2017, this upcoming 2020 season could be the first time that we actually get to watch him play in-game. Walker managed to get picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Colts shortly after the draft, but was eventually waived later that Fall and signed to the practice squad. Unfortunately he was the case of uncertainty, causing him to be on and off the practice squad for the next two years. Indianapolis eventually released Walker for good September 2, 2019.
Although things didn't quite work out for Walker during his time in the big league, he caught a less than surprising break as the newly formed XFL drafted him for the 2020 season. He was assigned to the Houston Roughnecks and led his team to an undefeated 5-0 season, which was cut short due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
P.J. Walker Scores For The Houston Renegades
Troy Taormina - USA Today Sports
Walker managed to become the big talk of the league, and deservingly so the frontrunner as the MVP favorite. He was named the XFL’s first ever Star of the Week with a four touchdown win, led the league in passing touchdowns with 15, and led the league in passing yards with 1,338 over only a 5 game span.
The XFL’s legitimacy was well solidified in its opening season, and even seen as a solid gateway league into the NFL. Although Walker was the first to be called upon, many others have found their names being called to the big league. Even with the season being cut short due to the coronavirus outbreak, five weeks were all that some players needed to stand out as potential NFL talent. To this date 14 XFL players have been signed by NFL teams.
Now, while Walker has recently gained some professional experience under his belt, his time back into the NFL will be far from a smooth welcoming. He’ll be battling for the starting quarterback role as Carolina also signed Teddy Bridgewater to a 3-year, $63 million deal. The former pro bowler hasn’t had the smoothest journey through the league but showed promising potential in being Carolina’s savior as he replaced Drew Brees, who suffered from a right thumb injury in week two. Bridgewater threw for 1,384 yards and 9 touchdowns, all of while collecting five straight game wins for the New Orleans Saints.
P.J. Walker gets Coaching from Matt Rhule at Temple
One advantage that Walker may have over Bridgewater is his connection to Carolina’s new head coach, Matt Rhule. Walker accepted an athletic scholarship to Temple University and played under coach Matt Rhule from 2013-2016. Walker started as a backup to Connor Reilly, but eventually earned the starting role. Throughout his collegiate career he collected multiple accolades, including the 2016 AAC Conference Championship Game Most Outstanding Player Award, CFPA National Player of the Year watch list, and Davey O’Brien Award watch list. Walker also holds most of the university’s records, such as all-time leader in wins by a starting quarterback, passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions, attempts, total yards, and total touchdowns. To cap it off, he led the owls to their first conference title in 49 years in 2016, and their first ever back to back bowl game appearance in school history in 2015 and 2016.
Walker would be filling in for some very big shoes as a starter for Carolina after they parted ways with their franchise quarterback Cam Newton. The former MVP took the Panthers to their first playoff win in nine years, first back to back division title in the NFC South, three consecutive playoff appearances, and led his team to only their 2nd Super Bowl with a 15-1 regular season record. He was nicknamed as “Superman”, and rightfully so, as he was not only the franchise hero, but a hero the city of Charlotte and the fans as well.
While P.J. Walker is not Superman, who's to say he can’t be Carolina’s knight in shining armor to save them from this bad dream?
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