The original plan for E.J. Perry IV was to be on some NFL team’s roster — the Jacksonville Jaguars were his last — working out, learning the quarterback room and becoming, eventually, a starting NFL quarterback.
That’s how those in the Perry family have always thought. They shoot for the moon.
When Perry, who was re-signed by the Jaguars (to their practice squad) in mid-December when Trevor Lawrence went into concussion protocol, was not brought back after the 2023 season, he had to call an audible.
On Jan. 22, 2024, Perry was re-signed by another former team, the Michigan Panthers of the professional United Football League (UFL).
Perry came in off the street late last May and surprisingly became the Panthers’ starter for the last regular season game, a win-or-go-home game against Philadelphia (W 23-20), and then the playoff game against Pittsburgh (L 31-27 OT).
He made quite the impression beyond the numbers — 371 yards passing, two long TD passes (72 and 55 yards) and running for another TD in the playoff contest — in his short stint in what was then called the United State Football League (USFL) before a merger with the XFL.
“E.J. is a really smart guy with a laid-back demeanor off the field,” said Panthers GM Steve Kazor. “On the field, though, he’s fiery as hell. The players really gravitated toward him in the short time he was here. He practiced really hard when he first got here. That was noticed.”
Kazor expressed wanting Perry back, but realized he had probably done too much and the NFL will scoop him up, which is really what the UFL is about.
Well, the NFL did, but they basically gave him back for the 2024 season, which opens Saturday against the St. Battlehawks at 4 p.m. on FOX Sports.
Perry is not only back, but he’s starting, having beaten out three other quarterbacks, including former New England Patriots second-stringer Danny Etling.
This Michigan experience is different. He not only has been there from Day 1, but he feels like his game has never been better.
“We’ve been together for a month now,” said Perry. “We’re together about nine hours a day, six days a week, living in the hotel together. It’s like camping, sharing meals and making friends. It’s a great bonding.”
Perry has made many stops and signed several contracts in his career, including three with the Jaguars and two with the Texans. He has learned something in each stop, even the short ones.
He got a few compliments in his last one-month stay with the Jaguars.
“I feel so much better now, where I’m at, than where I was a year ago at this time,” recalled Perry. “When I was in Houston, I did a lot of work with (senior offensive asst.) Bill Lazor and took a big step. When I got back to the Jaguars, talking to (offensive coordinator Press Taylor) and other coaches, they said, ‘You clearly got better.’”
Saturday afternoon will be a good time to show that improvement.
Perry and the Panthers will have a new offense, basically more spread options, led by new offensive coordinator Marcel Bellefeuille, a former head coach and OC in the Canadian Football League.
He has two wideouts from last year, Trey Quinn and Marcus Simms, and former Patriots practice squad receiver Devon Ross, among others.
“I have a little history with a few guys and some talented new guys, too, guys that started in the NFL,” said Perry, referring to Devin Gray and John Hightower.
“I am really exciting about being in this league with this opportunity to out and try to win some games,” said Perry. “Michigan seems excited about us. I can’t wait to see what Ford Field looks like come Saturday.”
You can email Bill Burt at bburt@eagletribune.com.