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In 2023, the Las Vegas Raiders traded Darren Waller to the New York Giants, where the Pro Bowl tight end’s arrival was filled with high hopes.
However, Waller caught just one touchdown in 12 games and had to deal with injuries. Waller decided to walk away from the NFL after his one-year stint with the Giants.
New York finished with a 6-11 record in 2023 and fell short in its bid to qualify for the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
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New York Giants tight end Darren Waller in the tunnel before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 25, 2023. (Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports)
Waller’s disappointing performance in 2023 was followed by a retirement announcement.
“I have decided to retire from football,” Waller wrote in a social media post in June 2024. “To God – what a journey, and thank you. We came so much further than I ever imagined! I am so grateful for all the [people] I have been able to connect and create memories along the way. We still have a lot of life to live. I love you all. Peace.”
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But after missing the 2024 season, Waller returned to football in 2025. The 33-year-old has experienced a resurgence with the Miami Dolphins this season, scoring four touchdowns in just three games.
During a recent appearance on “The Schultz Report” podcast, Waller took a moment to reflect on his time with Big Blue.
“There were other things I was going through in my life as well that made me feel like I needed to step away, which I think was a wise decision,” Waller said of his mindset before his brief retirement.
Former New York Giants tight end Darren Waller returned to the NFL this season with the Miami Dolphins. (Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports)
Waller added that the Giants coaching staff failed to use him effectively.
“But at the time… the frustration may not have been directly with that, because I’ll do some dirty things. You have to if you’re a good teammate. But I don’t really feel like they were putting me in positions for what made me unique to shine. That’s probably where more of the frustration came from.”
The former Georgia Tech star suggested he was asked to perform tasks more commonly associated with a fullback than a tight end. “I was filling the B gap, hitting linebackers and running stick routes. You’re not getting the best out of me doing that.”
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller makes a catch at Bank of America Stadium on October 5 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Bob Donnan/Image Images)
The Giants still had Waller’s contractual rights after his retirement ended. The Dolphins sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Giants in exchange for Waller and a late-round draft pick.
The Dolphins have lost two straight games and enter a Week 7 matchup against the Cleveland Browns with a 1-5 record.
