New York Giants tight end Daren Waller is set to retire after nine NFL seasons months removed from his high-profile divorce from WNBA superstar Kelsey Plum and weeks after releasing an unusual song
NFL star Darren Waller has shocked fans by announcing his retirement from the sport, just two weeks after releasing a song about his ex-wife, WNBA player Kelsey Plum.
This turn of events in Waller's personal life comes after he failed to attend offseason workouts with the New York Giants. The team had been aware for some time that Waller might not play beyond 2024, and it seems he made his decision official before this week's mandatory minicamp. The tight end-turned-rapper is now calling time on his playing career.
Waller, 31, joined the Giants last year following a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he proved himself as a top offensive player. Despite hamstring issues affecting his only season in New York, he managed 52 catches for 552 yards and a touchdown.
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In a statement, the Giants expressed their respect for Waller both as a person and a player, wishing him all the best for the future.
Waller's career began with two years at the Baltimore Ravens, but was interrupted when he was suspended for the entire 2017 season due to violating the league's substance abuse policy. He was signed by the Raiders from Baltimore's practice squad in 2018, leading to his breakout seasons in 2019 and 2020.
Last month, Waller released a new song titled Who Knew (Her Version), seemingly aimed at Plum. The couple were married for 13 months before divorcing in April, and his new single addresses what he perceives as Plum's betrayal.
Waller's latest single, released on YouTube and racking up over 80,000 views in just a day, is stirring up emotions with its sharp lyrics like "Take your time and heal," "How long I got to climb up this hill? " and the haunting refrain "who knew love could kill." The music video, lasting three minutes, adds to the drama with a scene where Waller is backstabbed by a female actress who bears a striking resemblance to Plum.
