Former New York Giants tight end Darren Waller announced his retirement from professional football over the weekend, and with it came a revealing scenario that happened to him in 2023.
The 31-year-old former New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders tight end posted a video to social media that not only confirmed his retirement but had him revealing a life-threatening medical emergency that he experienced months ago, which played a significant part in his decision to draw the curtains on his career.
A week after suffering a hamstring injury, Darren Waller described the horrific events leading up to the incident that led to him calling an end to his professional football career.
He began feeling feverish or at least experiencing symptoms while driving home from a music video shoot. When he got to his New Jersey house, he shivered uncontrollably until he passed out. “I kept nodding off and couldn’t breathe, so I ended up calling 911,” Waller said. Even though he believed he was speaking properly to emergency personnel, the paramedics had trouble understanding what was coming out of his mouth.
“I think I’m talking clearly on the phone, but they can’t make out much of what I’m saying.”
“I’m there breathing deeply, and in between each breath, I’m yelling out, ‘Help!’ so maybe I could wake the neighbors up,” the former Pro Bowler continued. “I don’t know how long the time was — it felt like forever — and I’m like, ‘Damn, I’m dying on this couch and nobody knows.’ It was kind of similar to my overdose — like the power plug being pulled out, and I couldn’t breathe anymore.”
Waller spent three and a half days in the hospital, unable to stand, much less eat, or use the restroom without help. The encounter opened his eyes and caused him to reflect deeply on his life, eventually leading to his decision to put a stop to his career.
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Waller finishes his eight-year NFL career with 350 catches, 4,124 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns, per ESPN.com.
Darren Waller’s Decision to Retire Comes Amid Divorce From Kelsey Plum
Waller has experienced significant changes in his professional career and private life.
Months before he would announce his retirement, he and WNBA champion Kelsey Plum would file for divorce after one year of marriage.
Plum shared a heartbreaking message on social media: “I’m devastated. I walked through fire for that man, but now I see it’s time to go,” she wrote on Instagram Stories.
“God has given me an incredible life, and I’m truly so grateful for the profound love from my family and friends,” the Las Vegas Aces star continued.
“One day I’ll share my story, today is not that day. Thank you for the grace to process my pain, to forgive and move forward. Today and everyday I will continue to choose joy. Much love KP.”
