Darren Waller, the Pro Bowl tight end known for his remarkable career turnaround, has announced his retirement from the NFL at age 31, following a single season with the New York Giants. The announcement was confirmed by the Giants on Sunday afternoon, just before the start of their minicamp.
“We have great respect for Darren as a person and player. We wish him nothing but the best,” the Giants said in their statement.
Waller revealed his decision in a candid YouTube video, attributing his retirement to a combination of personal and health reasons. The announcement comes on the heels of his recent divorce from WNBA All-Star Kelsey Plum and a significant medical scare last season.
In the video, Waller described a frightening episode following an October 29 game against the New York Jets, during which he sustained a hamstring injury. Shortly after the injury, Waller experienced severe symptoms including a high fever and violent chills, leading to a hospital stay of over three days. He recounted the ordeal as a life-altering experience, forcing him to re-evaluate his priorities.
“Last season in New Jersey, we played the Jets on October 29,” Waller said. “I got hurt that game. The following week, the Giants were playing the Raiders in Vegas. … I started to feel like this fever coming on. … By the time I pull into my parking garage at my condo and get out of the car, I’m, like, shaking pretty violently, like uncontrollably.”
Waller continued, “Was pretty clear I almost just lost my life. I don’t know if I really feel like if I would’ve died that I would’ve felt great about how my life was going.”
Though he did not disclose specific details about the medical condition, the experience prompted Waller to reconsider his future, ultimately leading to his decision to retire. He emphasized that his passions and priorities have shifted, stating, “The worst possible thing for somebody like me would be to think that I am supposed to choose one lane of life, one path and stick with it like most of the world does.”
Waller joined the Giants in 2023 after a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, but his time in New York was marred by injuries, limiting his impact on the field. Despite these challenges, he managed to start 12 games, recording 52 receptions for 522 yards and a touchdown.
With his retirement, the Giants will rely on third-year tight end Daniel Bellinger, who started 13 games last season, alongside newly drafted Penn State standout Theo Johnson. Waller’s departure also frees up $11.6 million in salary-cap space for the team, providing some financial flexibility moving forward.
As he steps away from football, Waller has hinted at exploring other interests, possibly including further pursuits in music. His recent music video, reflecting on his relationship with Plum, suggests that he may continue to express his creativity off the field.
In a career spanning eight NFL seasons, Waller’s journey from battling substance abuse to becoming a Pro Bowl player remains an inspiring story. While his time with the Giants was brief, his impact on and off the field will not be forgotten.
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