Will Grier Bio
Will Grier is an American professional football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators and West Virginia Mountaineers and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft. Across his professional career, Grier has spent time with multiple organizations, developing a reputation as a steady backup with starting experience.
Early Life and Background
William Grier was born on April 3, 1995, in Davidson, North Carolina. He is the oldest child of Chad Grier and Elizabeth Grier-Floyd. His father is a football coach and a former quarterback for the East Carolina Pirates, which gave Grier an early connection to the sport. Grier grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, alongside two brothers, Nash and Hayes, a half-sister named Skylynn Elizabeth Floyd, and a half-brother named John Henry “Hank” Grier.
Grier attended SouthLake Christian Academy in Huntersville, North Carolina, before transferring to Davidson Day School in Davidson. As a junior, he set a national record by throwing for 837 yards in a single game, breaking the previous mark of 764. During his senior season, he recorded 4,989 passing yards with a state record 77 touchdown passes, while also rushing for 1,251 yards and 13 scores. He finished his high school career with 14,565 passing yards, a state record 195 touchdown passes, 2,955 rushing yards, and 31 rushing touchdowns, earning recognition as the Parade All-American Player of the Year and Mr. Football USA.
Rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Grier was ranked the second-best dual-threat quarterback in his class and 46th overall. He received scholarship offers from Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wake Forest before committing to play at the University of Florida.
Path to American Football
Grier arrived at the University of Florida as a freshman in 2014, where he competed with Treon Harris to be the backup behind Jeff Driskel. He redshirted that season before entering the 2015 campaign in a competition with Harris. Grier saw early action against New Mexico State, then started the following game against East Carolina, gaining valuable experience within the Florida offense. His strongest performance came against the Ole Miss Rebels on October 3, when he completed 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns, becoming the first Gator quarterback since Chris Leak in 2005 to throw four scores in a single half.
On October 12, 2015, Grier received a one-year suspension after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance Ligandrol. He stated he was unaware the supplement was banned. His appeal was rejected, and the NCAA ruled he would not be eligible until the sixth game of the 2016 regular season. On December 19, 2015, Florida announced that Grier planned to transfer to another school, marking the end of his time with the Gators.
Will Grier Career
Early Career (2016-2018)
On April 6, 2016, Grier announced his decision to transfer to West Virginia University. He sat out the 2016 season under NCAA transfer rules, then returned to action as the Mountaineers’ starting quarterback in 2017. In his debut against Virginia Tech, he threw for 371 yards and three touchdowns. He later added 352 yards and five touchdowns in a comeback win over Texas Tech, earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. Grier finished the year with 3,490 passing yards and 36 total touchdowns before breaking a finger on his throwing hand against Texas, which ended his season. He was named Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
In 2018, Grier returned for his senior season and was named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection at Big 12 Media Days. He finished the year with 3,864 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. He also won the Senior CLASS Award for FBS football after declaring he would skip the Camping World Bowl to prepare for the 2019 NFL draft.
Carolina Panthers Era (2019-2021)
The Carolina Panthers selected Grier in the third round, 100th overall, of the 2019 NFL draft. He spent his rookie year as the third-string quarterback behind Cam Newton and Kyle Allen before earning his first career start in Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts, where he threw for 224 yards but also three interceptions in a 38-6 loss. The following week against the New Orleans Saints, he exited with a foot injury after throwing a pick-six.
In 2020, new head coach Matt Rhule signed Teddy Bridgewater as the starter, and Grier was pushed to third string behind P. J. Walker. He did not appear in any games. The Panthers released him on August 31, 2021, after deciding to keep only two quarterbacks on the roster.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2021-Present)
The Dallas Cowboys claimed Grier off waivers on September 1, 2021, to serve as the third-string quarterback behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush. He was inactive for most of the season and did not see game action. In 2022, Grier was waived and signed to the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster on October 5 to back up Rush while Prescott recovered from a thumb injury. He remained on the roster for five weeks without playing and was inactive for the final eleven games of the season.
On August 26, 2023, the Cowboys acquired Trey Lance, and Grier was informed he would be part of the final cuts. He played the full preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders, posting 305 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns. He was waived on August 29 and spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, and Los Angeles Chargers practice squads that year. In 2024, he signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 23 to reunite with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore before being released twice. On November 12, 2024, Grier returned to the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad and was promoted to the active roster on January 4, 2025.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Grier’s defining early moments was his national-record 837-yard passing game as a junior at Davidson Day School, followed by his record-setting senior season. His 2017 Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year award marked one of the strongest comebacks in recent conference history after his year-long suspension. His 2018 Senior CLASS Award further highlighted his reputation as a respected leader in college football.
Will Grier Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Grier’s connection to football runs through his family. His father, Chad Grier, is a football coach and former quarterback for the East Carolina Pirates, providing Will with direct insight into the position from an early age. His mother, Elizabeth Grier-Floyd, raised the family in the Charlotte area. His younger brothers, Nash and Hayes, along with his half-sister Skylynn, gained popularity on the now-defunct video-sharing service Vine.
Personal Life
Will Grier is married to Jeanne Marie O’Neil. The couple has two daughters. Grier has remained active in charitable and community efforts throughout his career, and his family continues to support his professional journey across the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Grier re-signed with the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad on August 27, 2025, after being released as part of final roster cuts the previous day. His return to the organization provided depth at the quarterback position behind Dak Prescott. Throughout the 2025 preseason, Grier continued to serve as a reliable veteran presence on the roster.
His experience within the Cowboys’ system, including his prior tenure under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, has helped him maintain familiarity with the team’s offensive schemes. As a backup quarterback, Grier has focused on preparation and readiness in case of injury or roster need during the regular season.
Looking ahead, Grier’s role with the Cowboys will depend on team needs and the development of younger quarterbacks on the depth chart. His veteran status and history of stepping into starting roles position him as a dependable option should the team require a substitute under center during the 2025 NFL season.