NFL Star Darren Waller Announces Retirement from the Game

Darren Waller, a Pro Bowl tight end and former Las Vegas Raider, has made the difficult decision to step away from the NFL after nine seasons.

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller has announced his retirement from the NFL after nine seasons.

The 31-year-old made the announcement on social media, citing a fading passion for the game.

"I've decided to retire from the game of football," Waller wrote on Instagram. "To God: what a journey, and thank you. We took it way farther than I ever could have imagined!"

Waller thanked those he had played with and connected with over the years, emphasizing that he has plenty more life left to live.

The NFL Network first reported that Waller had informed the Giants of his decision to retire.

"We have great respect for Darren as a person and player," the Giants said in a statement. "We wish him nothing but the best."

Waller's retirement comes after a turbulent year. He was traded from the Raiders to the Giants in March 2023, shortly after marrying WNBA star Kelsey Plum.

However, his performance in New York fell short of expectations, with 52 catches for 552 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. Rumors of his potential retirement began to circulate after the season.

Waller's personal life also made headlines when news broke that he was divorcing Plum after barely a year of marriage. He subsequently released music, hinting at a new direction in his life.

In his retirement announcement video, Waller expressed excitement about the next steps in his life.

The Giants will save $11.6 million in cap money and take a $2.5 million hit in dead money due to Waller's retirement. The team had apparently prepared for this possibility by drafting tight end Theo Johnson in April.

Darren Waller's NFL journey has come to an end, but his legacy as a talented tight end will undoubtedly endure.