Darren Waller’s journey through the NFL has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, and now it appears that ride has come to a stop. The talented tight end, who once ranked among the best at his position, recently announced his retirement following a season that saw him don the uniforms of the Ravens, Raiders, and Giants. In a candid interview, Waller shared the mental moment when he realized it was time to hang up his cleats.
Reflecting on his final year with the Giants, he pinpointed a game against the Buffalo Bills as a turning point. Waller recalled a play where he surprisingly lined up at fullback, an unusual spot for someone known for making highlight-reel catches as a tight end. “I knew I was retiring when we played in Buffalo,” he stated. The play itself was a counter-lead run, and while it unfolded as intended, Waller’s reflection post-play spoke volumes about his mindset. After executing the play multiple times, he found himself sitting on the sideline, confronting a stark realization: “‘What the f— am I doing? I’m out here playing fullback. I don’t even want to do this s— anymore.’”
That moment of self-awareness was pivotal. Though it wasn’t the immediate end of his career, it cemented Waller’s feelings about the direction of his football journey. Following the season, he made the choice to officially retire, closing the chapter on a career that started with the Ravens but flourished with the Raiders, where he became a household name.
His time in Las Vegas was highlighted by impressive performances, notably his 2019 breakout season where he recorded 90 catches for 1,145 yards. He followed that up with even more production in 2020, tallying 107 receptions for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns. Yet, injuries took their toll in the ensuing seasons, eventually leading him to New York, where he had a solid but less impactful year with 52 catches for 552 yards and one touchdown.
Now, as he navigates life after the NFL, Waller has turned to music, a passion that was likely brewing beneath the surface even as he navigated the challenges of professional football. It’s a testament to his resilience and ability to pivot in the face of change. The scene of that game against the Bills may have marked the end of his playing days, but it also symbolized a new beginning in what’s next for this former star tight end.
