Former Gopher Suffers Devastating Training Camp Injury

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Justin Walley
Credit: Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Minnesota Gophers have pumped out some impressive NFL talent in recent seasons. That’s both a testament to the young men P.J. Fleck is recruiting, and the staff’s ability to develop them.

Three Gophers went in the 2025 NFL Draft. Offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery was selected in the second round. (48th overall) by the Houston Texans, who the Vikings play this weekend in week one of the preseason. Ersery is listed as a starter on the Texans week one preseason depth chart.

Minnesota Gophers CB Justin Walley out for Indianapolis Colts

Cornerback Justin Walley was the Gopher player taken, going in the third round to the Indianapolis Colts (80th overall). He too was eyeing up a starting role with his new team.

Unfortunately, he left the Colts’ joint practice Tuesday vs the Baltimore Ravens with an injury. After Indy’s first preseason game of the year on Thursday, head coach Shane Steichen revealed the season-ending injury to Colts reporters during his postgame press conference.

Walley’s torn ACL derails what was unfolding as an impressive rookie training camp for the four-year Minnesota Gopher, who was vying for a starting spot on the Colts defense. The Indianapolis Colts went just 8-9 last season and were pumped to get such a secondary upgrade in the 3rd round of the draft.

As a senior in Dinkytown last season, Walley played in 10 games, totalled 25 tackles, and collected a pair of interceptions, one of which he housed. Mostly, opposing QBs avoided Walley as often as possible. He was the CB1 for a top-10 ranked passing defense in the nation.

Colts organization extremely high on Walley’s NFL future

Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait before we see him make NFL waves. Instead, the road ahead for Walley will be one of rehab. ACL injuries are not uncommon in the league, and knowing Walley, he will quickly get his oar back in the water. More than likely, PJ Fleck was one of the first people he talked to, following the diagnosis.

When Justin Walley returns to the Colts secondary next season, he will have three years remaining on his rookie deal. This injury won’t define the young CB’s career, but how much of a footnote it becomes will be up to him.

Given what those in the Colts organization have said about Walley since he arrived in Indy, I’d bet on him making a full recovery and making an impact in the NFL sooner than later.

Related: New Gophers QB Tasked With More Responsibilities at LOS

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