In a significant development, New York Giants tight end Darren Waller has officially retired from professional football. Waller, a seasoned player with a nine-year NFL career, made the announcement via a heartfelt video on his YouTube channel.
NFL Rumors (@nflrums) broke the news via a concise tweet:
“BREAKING” ” New York Giants Darren Waller has retired.”
🚨🚨BREAKING
New York Giants Darren Waller has retired pic.twitter.com/qVwMD8lugj
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) June 9, 2024
Waller’s sudden retirement comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts.
Darren Waller Cites Waning Passion and a Personal Turning Point
At 31 years old, Darren Waller revealed that he had been contemplating retirement for several months. His passion for the game had gradually waned, and he felt it was time to step away. The decision was influenced by a life-altering experience he faced last November, which forced him to reevaluate his priorities.
The Scary Medical Situation
Waller described a frightening incident when he fell seriously ill after shooting a music video. He experienced violent shaking and difficulty breathing, leading to a hospital stay of 3 1/2 days. This near-death experience prompted deep introspection, and Darren Waller realized that football, while providing joy and amazing moments, was no longer his driving force.
A Career of Resilience
Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, Darren Waller overcame early struggles with substance abuse. Suspended twice for violating the league’s policy, he persevered and established himself as one of the NFL’s top tight ends. His openness about addiction, depression, and anxiety has made him an inspiration to many.
Impact on the Giants
Darren Waller spent just one season with the Giants, battling hamstring issues. In 12 games, he recorded 52 catches for 552 yards and a touchdown. His retirement frees up $11.6 million in salary cap space for the team, though they will incur $2.5 million in dead money.
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