Former NFL tight end Darren Waller decided to retire from the NFL after the 2023 season, sharing a profound moment during a game against the Buffalo Bills that made him realize he was ‘definitely done’ playing. After nine seasons with three different teams, Waller, who was 31 at the time, announced his retirement, marking the end of his professional football career. The decision came after a turbulent season with the New York Giants, which included a brief hospitalization due to a hamstring injury and a challenging personal life marked by the end of his marriage to WNBA star Kelsey Plum in 2024.
Darren Waller’s journey to retirement included a moment during the 2023 season when he questioned his direction in life. In a game against the Buffalo Bills, he realized the extent of his dissatisfaction with his career. ‘I knew I was retiring when we played in Buffalo,’ Waller said during a recent podcast interview. ‘It was a game where it was really controversial because one of the guys held me at the end, and they didn’t call it.’ The moment left him contemplating his future, with Waller sitting on the sidelines and reflecting on his life. ‘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.”
Waller’s decision to retire was not made lightly. While he had been feeling the pull of retirement for some time, the moment during the game against the Bills solidified his resolve. After the contest, he shared his thoughts on social media, expressing gratitude for the journey and acknowledging the people who had been part of his path. ‘To God: what a journey, and thank you. We took it way farther than I ever could have imagined! So grateful for all the ppl I’ve been able to connect and create memories with along the way. We still got plenty more life left to live. Love you all. Peace.’
Waller’s time with the Giants was both rewarding and challenging. Despite recording 552 receiving yards and a touchdown during the season, he faced injuries and personal setbacks, which contributed to his decision to retire. The 2024 season marked the end of his marriage to Kelsey Plum, further highlighting the emotional and personal toll his career had taken. As Waller moves on from football, he plans to focus on new opportunities and continue living his life beyond the field.
The moment during the game against the Bills remains a defining point in Waller’s career. It was a realization that, despite the challenges and the love for the game, he had found a better direction for himself. Waller’s retirement marks the end of an NFL career for the former tight end, but it also signals the beginning of a new chapter in his life, filled with possibilities and growth.