The Calgary Stampeders have been informed by American quarterback P.J. Walker that he has decided to step away from football after nine years of playing professionally. Walker, 31, was signed in October 2024 and remained on the team’s practice roster until the end of that season. He served as the Stamps’ backup quarterback in 2025, suiting up for 13 games and starting the Week 9 contest in Ottawa.
During the 2025 season, Walker completed 35 of 59 passes for 395 yards with Calgary, throwing two touchdown passes and four interceptions. He also contributed on the ground with seven rushes for 32 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Walker began his professional career with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts in 2017. He later joined the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL, starting five games for them in 2019. Over the next five years, he spent time with multiple NFL teams, including the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, and Seattle Seahawks. In total, he was active for 21 NFL games and made nine starts with the Panthers and Browns.
A native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Walker played college football at Temple University, where he finished his career as the school’s all-time leader in completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes.
In addition to Walker’s retirement, the Stampeders announced the release of Canadian linebacker Nicky Farinaccio and the retirements of American defensive backs Brady Breeze and Lance Robinson.
Farinaccio, 26, was a fourth-round draft pick in 2025. He recorded three defensive tackles and two special-teams stops in three games last season. Breeze, 28, joined the Stampeders midway through last season and appeared in four games, including one start. He tallied five defensive tackles, two special-teams takedowns, one punt block, and one punt deflection. Robinson, 26, made starts in both of his 2025 appearances and contributed one defensive tackle.
