Darren Waller, Giants Star, Announces His Retirement from the NFL
Darren Waller, the standout tight end for the New York Giants, has decided to end his career in the NFL.
In an emotional video shared on YouTube this Sunday, Waller expressed that while he enjoyed great moments on the field and found much joy in the game, his passion for football had waned over time. “I am eternally grateful to football. I wouldn’t have this opportunity to be introspective and reflective without the help of the NFL and rehab, which literally saved my life,” said Waller, who has been open about his struggle with addiction and his journey to sobriety after an overdose in 2017.
In his message, Waller promised to continue using his personal story to inspire and help others. He also shared clips of his video on Instagram.
The New York Giants expressed their support and respect for Waller in a statement, wishing him the best in his future endeavors. Waller had stayed away from the team during the offseason, deciding to forgo a $200,000 workout bonus and a base salary of $10.525 million for the upcoming season. This retirement gives the Giants a salary cap savings of $11.9 million this year, post-June 1.
With Waller’s departure, the Giants will focus their efforts on developing Daniel Bellinger, Lawrence Cager, and rookie Theo Johnson as their top options at the tight end position.
Waller joined the Giants following a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick in March 2023. During his five years with the Raiders, Waller recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020, with 107 receptions for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns. Initially drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Waller faced substance abuse issues that led to multiple suspensions, including missing the entire 2017 season.
Rebounding with the Raiders in 2018, Waller shone with 90 catches for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns in his second season in Oakland. Over his career, he accumulated 350 receptions for 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns across nine seasons with the Ravens, Raiders, and Giants. Recently, his focus has shifted towards music, having released a new song last month.
Waller and Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum divorced last month after one year of marriage. Injuries, particularly to his hamstring, significantly impacted his career in recent years. In his lone season with the Giants, Waller recorded 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown in 12 games, leading the team in receptions until a hamstring injury sidelined him for five games in late October.
Darren Waller, in retiring, leaves an indelible mark on the NFL, both for his achievements on the field and for his inspiring personal story of overcoming adversity.
