Darren Waller, the veteran tight end for the New York Giants, has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 31, citing a fading passion for the game and a life-threatening medical incident last November as key factors in his decision. Waller’s retirement comes after a tumultuous season with the Giants, where he played 12 games, making 52 receptions for 552 yards and scoring a single touchdown. His decision was anticipated by the Giants, who had not seen Waller participate in the offseason program. The team will now depend on younger talent, including rookie Theo Johnson, to step up in the absence of Waller, who was hoped to be a primary receiver for quarterback Daniel Jones.Waller’s career spanned nine seasons, including a Pro Bowl appearance in 2020, and he was known for his candid discussions about his personal battles with addiction and mental health. He finishes his NFL journey with 350 receptions, 4,124 yards, and 20 touchdowns in 86 games. The Giants, who traded for Waller in March 2023, will save approximately $11.6 million against their salary cap with his retirement, while taking a $2.5 million hit in dead money. Waller’s departure is not only a loss for the Giants on the field but also a reminder of the personal challenges athletes face throughout their careers.
Key points
- Darren Waller retires from the NFL at 31, after a medical scare and a loss of passion for the sport.
- Waller’s departure from the Giants opens up significant salary cap space but leaves a gap in the tight end position.
- The Giants will look to younger players, including rookie Theo Johnson, to fill the void left by Waller’s retirement.
