Darren Waller, known as one of the more captivating players to follow during the offseason, has made a significant decision. He will not be donning the New York Giants’ jersey next season as he has officially declared his retirement from the National Football League. In a video titled “Straight from Darren Waller: A Beautiful Journey” on his official YouTube channel, the 31-year-old athlete bid farewell to his football career.
In the heartfelt video, Waller shared the reasons behind his retirement. He recounted a distressing incident in his condo where he struggled to breathe, experienced unconsciousness, and uncontrollable shaking. After seeking medical help and hospitalization following a 911 call, Waller used this ordeal as a catalyst for introspection. This led him to realize a loss of passion for football and a recognition of unhealthy dependence within his marriage.
Darren Waller clarified his decision to walk away from a potential $30 million earnings in the next three years, stating that his choice was driven by a desire to seize control of his own life.
How will Darren Waller’s legacy be celebrated in the NFL?
Darren Waller’s journey in the NFL has been quite diverse since he was selected in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He spent two years with the Ravens, five years with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, and one season with the New York Giants. Throughout his career, he earned one Pro Bowl selection and was the third-place finisher for the 2019 Comeback Player of the Year award.
In a total of 86 games, with 63 starts, Waller accumulated 350 catches on 501 targets for 4,124 yards (averaging 11.8 yards per reception) and 20 touchdowns. Additionally, he also recorded three rushing attempts for 26 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Despite his talent and potential to be a top-tier tight end in the league, Waller’s career might be remembered more as a “what if” scenario due to recurring injuries that limited him to playing 16 games in a season only twice during his nine-year tenure. Nonetheless, his abilities showcased glimpses of greatness that could have propelled him to even greater heights if not for the setbacks he faced.
Pingback: Can Dak Prescott Challenge the King? NFL Twitter ERUPTS Over CBS' Mahomes Comparison