Darren Waller Retirement: NFL Details
- Former NFL tight end Darren Waller said he knew he was ready for NFL retirement just a few games into his season with the New York Giants.
- Darren Waller of the New York giants runs onto the field before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium Oct.
- Waller, reflecting on the one-year mark of his retirement, shared that the decision came to him during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Darren Waller‘s NFL retirement wasn’t a sudden decision; it solidified during a game, a year before his official announcement. News Directory 3 brings you the details of his final moments in the league, where a play on the field triggered a profound realization. Waller candidly shared his feelings about the game against the Bills, revealing the exact moment he knew his NFL journey was nearing its end. Discover the specific play that led to the decision plus Waller’s reflections on the sideline. what played a role in his changing his mind?
Darren Waller Reveals Moment He Knew NFL Retirement Was Unavoidable
Former NFL tight end Darren Waller said he knew he was ready for NFL retirement just a few games into his season with the New York Giants.
Darren Waller of the New York giants runs onto the field before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Waller, reflecting on the one-year mark of his retirement, shared that the decision came to him during a game against the Buffalo Bills. He made the comments during a recent appearance on “The Side you Don’t See” podcast.
“I knew I was retiring when we played in Buffalo,” Waller said. He described a play where he felt he was held without a penalty being called.
Darren Waller of the New york Giants during the first half of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife stadium Aug. 18, 2023, in East rutherford, N.J.(Sarah Stier/getty Images)
“I’m kind of like leading through the hole like I’m a fullback, and the play is working,” Waller recalled. “but I sit down on the sideline after like a drive where we ran like three times, and I’m like, what the f— am I doing with my life? I’m out here playing fullback.I don’t even want to do this s— anymore.”
waller said he spent time on the sidelines looking at the sky, realizing his time in the NFL was coming to an end.
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller in the tunnel for a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia Dec. 25, 2023. (Eric Hartline/USA Today Sports)
“I’m just looking at the moon — it’s early first quarter (or) second quarter — and nobody else would really even know I am thinking this,but I’m on the sideline like,‘Yep. I’m going to finish this year to the best of my ability, but I am definitely done after this year.'”
The bills won that game against the Giants, 14-9.
Waller concluded his giants career with 552 receiving yards and one touchdown.His season was marked by a hamstring injury and a brief hospitalization.
In April 2024, Waller and WNBA star Kelsey Plum filed for divorce in Las vegas.