The New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is working hard to come back strongly from his season-opening injury but his tight end Darren Waller’s future hangs in balance. The veteran is under contract through 2026, but he has been contemplating retirement for the last several days.
Waller expressed the complexity of his decision-making process, hinting at an imminent resolution.
“I haven’t [set a deadline], but I know at the end of the day, you know, there’s going to be no considering in reevaluating past when people report to camp, but I feel like I am getting an inch closer to a decision,” Waller told NJ Advance Media on Friday.
Keeping aside the off-field controversy, Waller’s on-field prowess is undeniable, highlighted by consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, his journey with the Giants has been marred by injuries. With 19 missed games over three seasons, he confronts the challenge of maintaining performance and availability.
The football prodigy acknowledged the weight of commitment to his team and the demands of the sport.
“I feel like my decision mostly lies as a man that is evolving and growing and changing like we all are. I have to make sure that if I am going to be on that field and committed and saying: ‘I got my brothers’ back on the field’ that I am 100% committed to the entire journey.”
The timeline of Waller’s retirement is yet to be disclosed by him but his endorsement of mental health awareness is in full swing. The Giants refrain from imposing a deadline on his decision, but proactive measures are evident in their offseason moves. They acquired tight ends Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz to be prepared for potential retirement scenarios.
Darren Waller champions mental health awareness and overcoming addiction
Darren Waller has become a beacon of hope in the realm of mental health awareness. He candidly shared his struggles with addiction in a recent roundtable discussion at the Carrier Clinic. The veteran reflected on his near-fatal overdose in 2017 and mentioned a moment of surrender when he realized he couldn’t overcome it alone.
“That was the first moment that I surrendered to the fact that I am not going to be able to do this on my own. No matter how intelligent I may think I am or how in control I feel like I can be, I am being outsmarted by this disease I have,” Waller said.
The tight end wants to continue to advocate for mental health awareness. He remains committed to being on the frontlines until his last breath.
“One thousand percent that is what I feel most connected to and aligned to, because it is my story. It is who I am. It is my struggle and my triumph, so it’s something that I will continue to be on the frontlines for until it is my time to go meet my creator.”
The tragic loss of ex-Giants offensive tackle Korey Cunningham, ruled as “self-inflicted,” also highlights the importance of addressing mental health within the sports industry. Waller mourned for him and acknowledged the pressures athletes face in a performance-driven environment.
