Darren Waller Announces Retirement After Eight NFL Seasons
In a significant announcement that has reverberated throughout the NFL, Darren Waller, the veteran tight end for the New York Giants, has officially declared his retirement after eight seasons in the league.
The decision was confirmed on Sunday and comes after months of speculation and personal reflection.
Waller, 31, shared the news in a heartfelt YouTube video, detailing the factors that led to his decision. A critical turning point was a severe health scare in November 2023, which left him hospitalized for three and a half days.
“I almost just lost my life,” Waller recounted, emphasizing the impact this experience had on his outlook and future plans.
Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, his early career was marked by struggles with substance abuse, leading to multiple suspensions.
However, after a transformative period in rehab and a brief hiatus from football, he returned with the Oakland Raiders in 2018. His breakout seasons in 2019 and 2020, which included back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns and a Pro Bowl selection, established him as one of the premier tight ends in the NFL.
Despite his on-field success, he faced recurring injuries, particularly hamstring issues, that plagued his later years. These injuries limited his playing time and effectiveness, ultimately leading to his trade to the New York Giants in 2023. His lone season with the Giants saw flashes of his previous brilliance, but it was again marred by health problems.
Waller’s personal life also saw significant changes during this period. He married WNBA star Kelsey Plum in March 2023, but the couple filed for divorce just over a year later. This tumultuous period, coupled with his health scare, led Waller to reassess his life and priorities.
In his retirement announcement, Waller expressed deep gratitude for his football career and the opportunities it provided.
“I’m eternally grateful for the game of football,” he said. “It gave me an opportunity to reestablish myself, to come back into the world and do something productive.”
Waller’s career statistics are a testament to his talent and resilience. He finishes with 350 receptions, 4,124 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns over 86 games. Beyond the numbers, his journey from battling addiction to becoming a Pro Bowl player and role model is a story of inspiration and redemption.
The New York Giants released a statement honoring Waller’s contributions: “We have great respect for Darren as a person and player. We wish him nothing but the best.”