Big news shook the NFL community this weekend.
Darren Waller, 31, the New York Giants’ standout tight end, has decided to hang up his cleats and retire from professional football. After an impressive nine-season career, including a Pro Bowl appearance, Waller announced his decision via social media on Sunday.
In a heartfelt video on his YouTube channel, Waller shared that his “passion has slowly been fading,” leading him to this pivotal decision.
On Instagram, he expressed his gratitude: “I’ve decided to retire from the game of football. To God: what a journey, and thank you. We took it way farther than I ever could have imagined! So grateful for all the ppl I’ve been able to connect and create memories with along the way. We still got plenty more life left to live. Love you all. Peace.”
The NFL Network was the first to report Waller’s announcement to the Giants. The team responded with respect and well-wishes: “We have great respect for Darren as a person and player. We wish him nothing but the best.”
Waller’s journey over the past 18 months has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. In March 2023, he was traded from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Giants. This major career move coincided with another significant life event: his marriage to WNBA star Kelsey Plum.
Waller’s stint with the Giants saw him playing 12 games in the 2023 season. However, his performance fell short of expectations, with 52 catches for 552 yards and a single touchdown. As the season wrapped up, rumors began circulating about Waller contemplating retirement. These rumors were followed by news of his impending divorce from Plum after barely a year of marriage.
Despite the personal and professional turbulence, Waller seems optimistic about his future. In his video, he assured fans that he was doing fine and looking forward to the next chapters of his life, which includes exploring his musical talents.
Darren Waller officially has announced his retirement from the NFL. pic.twitter.com/LECjWkSjAn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 9, 2024
Waller’s retirement brings significant financial implications for the Giants. The team will save $11.6 million in cap space, although they will incur a $2.5 million hit in dead money. It appears the Giants anticipated this possibility, having drafted tight end Theo Johnson from Penn State in April as a strategic move.