EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – After a career plagued by struggles and triumphs, NFL tight end Darren Waller has announced his retirement, leaving the New York Giants without one of their key players this upcoming season.
The Giants were notified of Waller’s decision on Sunday, as the 31-year-old player opted to step away from the game after a successful yet challenging journey through the NFL.
Waller’s time with the Giants was short-lived, having been acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade last March. Despite a productive season with 52 catches for 552 yards and one touchdown in 12 games, injuries, particularly to his hamstrings, had begun to take a toll on his career.
Prior to his time with the Giants, Waller had spent five seasons with the Raiders, where he had standout performances including a pair of 1,000-yard receiving seasons and a Pro Bowl appearance in 2020.
Originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, Waller’s early career was marked by struggles with substance abuse, leading to suspensions and setbacks. However, following a life-changing overdose in 2017, Waller underwent rehab and embarked on a journey to sobriety, using his experiences to inspire others.
Despite his contributions on the field, Waller had begun to express doubts about his commitment to football during the offseason, hinting at the possibility of retirement. This uncertainty, coupled with personal challenges such as a recent divorce, ultimately led to his decision to retire from the game he loved.
As the Giants move forward without Waller, they look to players like Daniel Bellinger, Lawrence Cager, and fourth-round pick Theo Johnson to step up and fill the void at the tight end position.
In the wake of Waller’s retirement, the Giants face a new challenge as they reevaluate their lineup and prepare for the upcoming season, hoping to find success despite the absence of one of their key players.