TMZSports.com
Do not count on to see Darren Waller on an NFL subject ever once more … the previous Giants star tells TMZ Sports activities he is thrilled along with his choice to retire — and is adamant he’ll really feel that means going ahead.
The ex-tight finish formally referred to as it a profession on Sunday … however at 31 years outdated and nonetheless productive when wholesome, a lot of his followers questioned if he actually meant it.
However, after we spoke with him a pair days after he made the selection to hold up his spikes, he made it clear, he is achieved achieved.
“I reached a point where I don’t have that 100 percent to give to the process,” Waller mentioned. “I don’t think that’s fair to teammates, or fans, or organizations that are expecting me to give that. That’s why I came to the decision I made.”
Waller was a dominant drive on the TE place when on the sector. Over his eight-year profession, he racked up 350 catches for 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns. In 2020, he was chosen to a Professional Bowl.
And, whereas his first 12 months in New York was a little bit of a disappointment, many had anticipated a bounceback season in 2024. Waller, although, mentioned he is shifting on … and whereas he’ll nonetheless watch the sport and nonetheless proceed to work out and hold his thoughts and physique proper — grinding via practices is not one thing he has a want to do anymore.
One of many passions Waller is happy to pursue now could be his music profession — he even has a two-part tune referred to as “Choose Wisely” and “Farewell” that he is dropping that is all about his retirement. The musician says the primary half dives into his success and fame and the stress that comes with it. For the second half … he describes it as “a reflection on my career and how good it has been and then a mic drop at the end.”
Whereas Waller has obtained reward for his music following his retirement, he hasn’t seen most of it. He revealed he modified his cellphone quantity — and just a few folks have the brand new one.
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One other query on many individuals’s minds is what’s subsequent in Waller’s love life. In case you do not keep in mind … Waller and WNBA star Kelsey Plum filed for divorce in April after being married for simply over a 12 months.
Waller hopes to search out love once more at some point … however he additionally plans to redefine what love is for him.
“Going into relationships, I had to be co-dependent and tap dance to please the partner,” Waller mentioned. “Or I had to self-sabotage the relationship before the other person did because of things that happened to me when I was younger. My whole definition of love has to change, and that’s a lot of the work I’m doing right now.”
