Connor Halliday, who set numerous passing records at Washington State University before suffering a career-ending broken ankle last fall against USC, has apparently abandoned his goal of playing in the NFL. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Washington Redskins, Halliday did not participate in the team’s rookie mini-camp activities Friday and abruptly left the team without explanation.
Halliday, who had been rehabbing since last fall in order to give himself a shot to make it in the league, is no longer listed on the Redskins’ roster. The Washington Post reported that Halliday has decided to retire.
Halliday was invited to the NFL Combine but did not throw there, waiting instead to conduct his own pro day at WSU April 1, following an extensive rehab process in Coeur d’Alene, ID.
Halliday threw well at his pro day, and Washington general manager Scot McCloughan took considerable interest in him as a player, scouting him heavily throughout the pre-draft process.
With Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy each entering the final year of their respective contracts, the former Cougar, Spokane native and Ferris High alum was viewed as a candidate to make Washington’s roster in 2016.
“I got here Sunday,” Halliday earlier this week after arriving in Washington, D.C. “It’s been real great ever since, I really appreciate the opportunity that Coach [Jay] Gruden and Mr. McCloughan are giving me.”
Halliday threw for 11,308 yards, 90 touchdowns and 50 interception during his WSU career.
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This is rather surprising. I used to rather dislike Halliday’s mien at WSU and was much more a fan of Keith Price, but Connor grew on me over his final year because it was obvious he is a competitor who wants to win.
I’m not convinced he’ll be out of football for more than a year so he can fully heal (the Spokane Shock could sure use him), but if this IS permanent, best of luck to a Wulff recruit who never stopped trying and was always proud to be a Coug.