New York Giants tight end Darren Waller announced his retirement from football at the age of 31 in an 18-minute video posted on his YouTube channel. After experiencing a scary medical incident in November, Waller realized that his passion for the game was fading and made the decision to step away from the NFL. The Giants had been waiting for Waller to decide on his future, as he had not participated in offseason workouts, but he ultimately chose to retire.
Waller’s retirement means savings for the Giants, as he was due to make $10.5 million in 2024. Overcoming early drug problems and multiple suspensions for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, Waller established himself as one of the NFL’s top tight ends. He has been open about his struggles with addiction, depression, and anxiety, and credited the NFL with providing him the opportunity to save his life and get back on track.
Throughout his career, Waller amassed 350 receptions, 4,124 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns in 86 games with the Ravens, Raiders, and Giants. He enjoyed his most productive seasons in 2019 and 2020, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2020. Waller’s final season with the Giants saw him limited to 12 games due to hamstring issues, where he caught 52 passes for 552 yards and a touchdown. The team expressed their respect for him in a statement upon his retirement.
Despite exchanging messages with Giants coach Brian Daboll in the offseason, Waller’s decision to retire was still pending. The team had high expectations for him in the previous season, but he was unable to deliver for a team that missed the playoffs with a 6-11 record. Waller’s personal life also saw changes as he married WNBA star guard Kelsey Plum in March 2023, only to file for divorce in April. His retirement marks the end of a turbulent yet successful football career.
Waller’s decision to retire comes after reflecting on his experiences with football and realizing that his passion for the game was waning. The medical scare he faced last November served as a wake-up call for him to re-evaluate his priorities and make a decision that was best for his well-being. His openness about his struggles with addiction and mental health has garnered support from fans and the NFL community, who have recognized his resilience and determination throughout his career.
As Waller transitions into retirement, he expressed gratitude for the game of football and the opportunities it provided him to turn his life around. He acknowledged the NFL’s role in helping him overcome his challenges and become a leader and role model within the sport. Despite the challenges he faced on and off the field, Waller’s decision to retire signals a new chapter in his life, where he can focus on his well-being and future endeavors beyond football.
