Darren Waller, the New York Giants tight end, announced his retirement from football in a nearly 18-minute video posted on his YouTube channel. Waller stated that the passion for the sport has been fading and recounted a scary medical incident he experienced in November. He felt ill after shooting a music video and ended up in the hospital for 3 1/2 days. This experience led him to re-evaluate his life, ultimately deciding to retire from the NFL. Waller had hamstring issues in his final season with the Giants, finishing with 52 catches for 552 yards and one touchdown.
Waller had a troubled past, overcoming early drug problems and suspensions for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. He has been open about his struggles with addiction, depression, and anxiety. Despite these challenges, he expressed gratitude for the game of football, which provided him with the opportunity to save his life through rehab. The NFL gave him a chance to reestablish himself and be a role model and leader in his craft. The Giants saved $11.6 million in cap space with Waller’s retirement, taking a $2.5 million hit in dead money.
Throughout his career, Waller amassed 350 receptions, 4,124 yards receiving, and 20 touchdowns in 86 games. He played for the Ravens and Raiders before joining the Giants in his final season. Waller had breakout seasons in 2019 and 2020, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2020. Despite expectations for a strong performance last season, Waller fell short as the Giants missed the playoffs. His personal life also saw changes, as he married WNBA star guard Kelsey Plum in March 2023 but filed for divorce in April.
The Ravens waived Waller before the 2018 season, and he was signed to the Raiders’ practice squad before appearing in four games. His career took off in 2019 and 2020, with a combined 197 catches for 2,341 yards and 12 touchdowns. Waller’s decision to retire came after months of deliberation, with the Giants waiting to hear his plans for the upcoming season. Coach Brian Daboll acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Waller’s future but expressed respect for him as a person and player.
Waller’s retirement marks the end of a challenging yet fulfilling career in the NFL. He acknowledged the impact of the sport on his life, both in terms of personal struggles and professional success. Despite the ups and downs, Waller expressed gratitude for the opportunities football provided him, including the chance to overcome addiction and be a positive influence in his community. As he embarks on this new chapter in his life, Waller leaves behind a legacy of resilience and perseverance that will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.
