After much deliberation, he has reached a long-anticipated decision, signaling the end of his playing days.
Following eight seasons in the NFL, tight end Waller has informed the Giants of his retirement, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
"I've decided to retire from the game of football," Waller later announced on Instagram. "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."
This decision has loomed over Waller and the New York Giants since March, when he disclosed to Dan Duggan of The Athletic his intention to make a decision "pretty soon." Among the factors influencing his decision were his commitment to the game and lingering health concerns.
"We have great respect for Darren as a person and player," the Giants stated in response to Waller's retirement. "We wish him nothing but the best."
As the resolution awaited, it became increasingly apparent that Waller, who experienced a highly publicized divorce with WNBA player Kelsey Plum and later released a perplexing music video this year, would not return.
Waller, a former Pro Bowler, had stints with the Ravens, Raiders, and Giants, accumulating 350 receptions, 4,124 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns in 86 games. Joining the Giants before the 2023 season, Waller initially showed promise, quickly developing chemistry with Daniel Jones, evident in their preseason debut together. However, his season did not unfold as anticipated, with Waller missing five games and securing just one touchdown on 52 catches for 552 yards.
It's a somewhat abrupt conclusion to a remarkable journey for the 31-year-old.
Overcoming a battle with drug addiction, Waller embarked on his NFL career as a 2015 sixth-round pick with the Ravens, facing multiple suspensions for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Despite setbacks, he made a triumphant return, emerging as one of the league's top tight ends during his tenure with the Raiders, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2020.
After modest beginnings, Waller garnered attention in 2019, his second season with the Raiders, tallying 90 receptions for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns. This performance earned him a lucrative four-year, $30 million deal. In 2020, he flourished, recording 107 catches for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns, establishing himself as a favorite target for quarterback Derek Carr.
However, injuries limited Waller's playing time, appearing in just 11 games in 2021 due to an ankle injury. Despite this, he inked a three-year, $51 million extension in 2022, maintaining his status as one of the highest-paid tight ends until his retirement.
Yet, Waller's tenure with the Giants was marked by further injury setbacks, as hamstring issues persisted, culminating in his decision to retire. With Waller's departure, Daniel Bellinger is expected to assume the starting tight end role, supplemented by additions like Jack Stoll and Theo Johnson.
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