The relentless pursuit of a professional football career through the NFL's practice squads
In short: For most athletes, being waived is the end of the road. For Greg Dortch, it was often just a temporary detour. Discover the story of a specialist who navigated a dizzying series of roster moves, practice squad stints, and team changes to find his footing in the league.
Greg Dortch's journey through the NFL is a masterclass in professional resilience. After a standout collegiate career at Wake Forest University—where he earned All-American honors as a return specialist in 2018—Dortch entered the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent. His path has been defined by the volatile nature of NFL rosters, characterized by a cycle of being signed, waived, and re-signed across multiple franchises.
His early career saw a rapid succession of moves. After signing with the New York Jets in 2019, he moved through the practice squads of the Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams, and Atlanta Falcons. This period of instability was marked by frequent transitions between active rosters and practice squads, including a stint with the Arizona Cardinals that began in August 2021. It was with Arizona that Dortch found significant opportunity, starting games during the 2022 season and recording notable performances, such as a 103-yard game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Despite facing setbacks, including a chest injury that landed him on injured reserve in late 2025, Dortch has continued to find work within the league. His career has seen him reunite with former coaches, such as his 2026 signing with the Detroit Lions to work with Drew Petzing, and eventually finding a place on the Buffalo Bills roster. His trajectory illustrates the grueling reality of life as a professional specialist, where survival depends on seizing every brief window of opportunity provided by a roster spot.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Greg Dortch
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