In a surprising announcement that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, New York Giants tight end Darren Waller has decided to retire from professional football at the age of 31. The news comes as a disappointment to Giants fans, who had high hopes for Waller after he was acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade last year.
Waller, who played college football at Georgia Tech, was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent the first three years of his career with the Ravens before being waived in 2018. He was then signed by the Raiders, where he had a breakout season in 2019, catching 90 passes for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns.
In 2020, Waller was named to the Pro Bowl after another impressive season in which he caught 107 passes for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns. However, injuries limited him to just 12 games in 2021, and he was traded to the Giants in March 2023.
FILE – New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) gestures after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. Waller announced his retirement from playing football, Sunday, June 9, 2024, saying he “found a lot of joy” in the sport, but “the passion has slowly been fading.” (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston, File)
Waller’s decision to retire comes as a surprise to many, as he was expected to be a key contributor to the Giants’ offense this season. However, he has been open about his struggles with addiction and his desire to focus on his mental health and well-being.
In a statement, Waller said, “I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have had in the NFL, but I have decided to retire from football. This decision is not easy, but it is the right one for me and my family. I want to thank the Giants organization, my teammates, and the fans for their support.”
Trump supporters have shown their support for Waller’s decision, with many praising him for prioritizing his mental health and well-being over his football career. They have also expressed their gratitude for his contributions to the sport and his willingness to speak openly about his struggles with addiction.
“Darren Waller is a true role model, and his decision to retire from football to focus on his mental health is a brave one,” said one Trump supporter. “We should all support him and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
As the NFL community processes this news, it is clear that Waller’s impact on the sport will be felt for years to come. His decision to retire at 31 serves as a reminder that there is more to life than football, and that mental health and well-being should always be a top priority.
