New York Giants tight end Darren Waller announced his retirement from professional football after eight seasons in the league. NFL.
"I've decided to retire from the game of football," Waller wrote. "To God: what a journey, and thank you. We took it way farther than I ever could have imagined! So grateful for all the people 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."
Waller's decision to retire has been looming since March, when he told Dan Duggan of The Athletic that he was weighing his future due to a mix of lingering health issues and his commitment to the game. The Giants expressed their admiration for Waller in a statement, saying, "We have great respect for Darren as a person and player. We wish him nothing but the best."
The 31-year-old tight end’s retirement comes after a season marred by injuries. Despite promising early chemistry with quarterback Daniel Jones, Waller missed five games and managed only 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown. His departure leaves a significant gap in the Giants' offense, with Daniel Bellinger, Jack Stoll, and rookie Theo Johnson expected to compete for the starting role.
Waller's NFL journey began as a sixth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015. After multiple suspensions for violating the league's substance abuse policy, he overcame his struggles with addiction and emerged as one of the league's elite tight ends with the Raiders. His breakout season in 2019, where he caught 90 passes for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns, earned him a four-year, $30 million contract. Waller's best season came in 2020, with 107 receptions for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns, leading to a Pro Bowl selection.
Despite battling injuries in recent years, Waller's impact on the field was significant. He played in only eight games in 2022 due to a hamstring injury before being traded to the Giants. Waller was set to count $14.08 million against the Giants' salary cap this year.
As Waller steps away from the game, his inspirational story of overcoming adversity remains a powerful legacy. From battling addiction to becoming a Pro Bowl tight end, Waller’s journey has been a testament to resilience and determination. His retirement marks the end of an era for a player who made a lasting impact on the NFL.
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