Houston Roughnecks quarterback PJ Walker is the first XFL-er moving to the NFL
The XFL season might have been cut short due to the coronavirus outbreak, but five weeks was enough time for one star to prove his worth.
Houston Roughnecks quarterback PJ Walker will sign with the Carolina Panthers.
Houston Roughnecks QB PJ Walker is signing with the Carolina Panthers. (per multiple sources) pic.twitter.com/mfSMsXW2on
— XFL on FOX (@XFLonFOX) March 23, 2020
And what a (short) XFL season he had!
Walker was the only quarterback to lead his team to an undefeated record of 5-0, and he was leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns.
His impressive numbers drew interest from a couple of NFL teams, including the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks.
In Week 5, Walker and the Roughnecks traveled to Seattle to take on the Dragons – the Seahawks sent scouts to watch what would be his final performance, and he did not disappoint.
Walker completed 27-of-38 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns, leading Houston to a 32-23 victory.
The 25-year old standout will now take his talents to Carolina, reuniting him with his former head coach at Temple, Matt Rhule.
Walker played under Rhule from 2013-16, and the dynamic duo turned around a struggling program.
Walker is the second quarterback the Panthers have locked in this offseason. They recently signed former New Orleans Saints backup Teddy Bridgewater, who will serve as Carolina’s QB1.
New threads for @teddyb_h2o ? Welcome to the @Panthers pic.twitter.com/W4RYX7ZQUt
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) March 18, 2020
Now, Walker will presumably battle it out for the backup spot with Will Grier and Kyle Allen.
Walker’s move to the Panthers will represent his return to the NFL. He was on the Indianapolis Colts‘ practice squad in 2017-18.
Former teammates are excited to watch Walker at the next level and see what he can do.
Yeahhhhh! @pjwalker_5 https://t.co/3UJ7Ygy97R
— Parris Campbell (@PCampbell21) March 23, 2020
YESSIR !!! @pjwalker_5 https://t.co/4MJnmKP5FZ
— Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo15) March 23, 2020
PJ walker definitely making Carolina squad!!! He back with his coaches from Temple too???
— Brandon Barnes (@ig_barnes) March 23, 2020
Honestly, so are we.
