NFL star Darren Waller explains the frustration during his tenure with the Giants
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In 2023, the Las Vegas Raiders traded Darren Waller to the New York Giants, where the tight end’s Pro Bowl arrival was filled with high hopes.
However, Waller caught just one touchdown in 12 games and dealt with injuries. Waller decided to step away from the NFL after a one-year stint with the Giants.
New York finished with a 6-11 record in 2023, falling short in its attempt to qualify for the playoffs for the second straight season.
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New York Giants finisher Darren Waller in the tunnel before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, December 25, 2023. (Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports)
Waller’s underwhelming performance in 2023 was followed by a retirement announcement.
“I have decided to retire from football,” Waller said he wrote in a social media post In June 2024. “To God: What a journey it has been, thank you. We have come further than I could have ever imagined! So grateful for all [people] I’ve been able to connect and create memories along the way. We still have a lot of life left to live. I love you all. peace.”
The NFL is reviewing the Giants’ handling of concussion protocol after a tense exchange between Brian Daboll and the team doctor
But after missing the 2024 season, Waller returned to football in 2025. The 33-year-old has seen a resurgence with the Miami Dolphins this season, scoring four goals in just three games.
During his last appearance on “Schultz Report” podcast, Waller took a moment to reflect on his time with Big Blue.
“There were other things I went through in my life as well that made me feel like I needed to step away, which I feel was a wise decision,” Waller said of his mindset leading up to his short-lived retirement.
Former New York Giants quarterback Darren Waller is back in the NFL this season with the Miami Dolphins. (Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports)
Waller added that the Giants’ coaching staff failed to utilize him effectively.
“But at the time… maybe the frustration wasn’t directly related to it, because I’m going to do some dirty work—. You have to do that if you’re a good teammate. But I don’t really feel like I’m being put in positions where I’m going to be uniquely brilliant. That’s probably more the frustration.”
The former Georgia Tech star suggested he was asked to perform duties more commonly associated with linebacker rather than tight end. “I was filling in the B gap, beating up linebackers and running consistent routes. You don’t get the best out of me doing that.”
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller checks in at Bank of America Stadium on October 5 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Bob Doonan/Imagine Images)
The Giants still retain the rights to Waller’s contract after he completes his retirement. The Dolphins sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Giants in exchange for Waller and a late draft pick.
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The Dolphins have lost two straight games and enter their Week 7 matchup with the Cleveland Browns with a 1-5 record.
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