At this time last year, the Indianapolis Colts had a quarterback room that consisted both of starter Andrew Luck and a work in progress of Phillip “PJ” Walker. One year later, Luck has retired and Walker is leading an XFL offense.
Even though Luck hung up his spikes and Walker was cut before the 2019 season, there was still a connection. They spent roughly two-plus seasons in the same quarterback room after Walker was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2017 NFL draft.
That connection helped Walker get a starting gig in the XFL with Luck’s hometown team, the Houston Roughnecks.
“Andrew had been pushing him to me,” XFL commissioner Oliver Luck told the Houston Chronicle. “He said, ‘Dad, I’m telling you, this guy can play. He’s a good kid and a hard worker, and he’s hungry to play.’”
It wound being a good call by Luck as Walker exploded for four touchdown passes in his XFL debut last week en route to a 37-17 victory.
“June had the list of quarterbacks. He and (personnel director) Randy (Mueller) had scouted him. I was delighted they wanted P.J.,” Oliver said. “Ultimately, that’s the kind of guy that’s perfect for our league and perfect for June because he fits June’s system so well and has a chance to play and prove himself.”
Walker never saw actual game action with the Colts. The Temple product worked mostly on the practice squad when he was being the subject of multiple transactions each week.
Though both have moved on, Luck in his off-field life and Walker to the XFL, it is a neat story that former teammates still have a connection in the game of football—wherever that may be.
