Darren Waller New York Giants
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Darren Waller #12 of the New York Giants.
The New York Giants are headed into a new and exciting era, with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart leading the way along with up-and-coming running back Cam Skattebo. However, the last few years in the post-Eli Manning era have been rough to say the least.
Along with disappointing outcomes over the past few years, the Giants lost superstar running back Saquon Barkley to NFL free agency, parted ways with Daniel Jones and saw star tight end Darren Waller suddenly retire.
Waller’s shocking retirement proved costly, considering the Giants had made a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire the rising star, which led to many questions about why the one-time Pro Bowler had walked away from the game.
Darren Waller Reveals Why He Retired With Giants
Darren Waller New York Giants
GettyDarren Waller #12 of the New York Giants.
Ironically, after retiring in 2023 and playing in only 12 games for the Giants, Waller has decided to make a comeback, landing with the Miami Dolphins.
Although there were a lot of people doubting whether Waller could return to form as one of the best tight ends in the game, the 33-year-old is proving the doubters wrong after only three games on the field for Miami.
During an interview with Jordan Schultz on The Schultz Report, Waller opened up about his early retirement and what led to the decision, which seems to have a lot ot do with the role he was playing in New York.
“I think that day I was being a little extra,” Waller said. “It was more so the concept we were running that day, which is usually a play that a fullback runs. The Giants didn’t technically didn’t have me playing fullback, but that concept is usually built for fullback-type bodies.”
“There was other things I was going through in my life as well that was making me feel like I need to step away, which I feel like was a wise decision. … I don’t really feel like I was being put position for what made me unique to shine. That’s what the frustration was probably coming from more.”
Clearly, Waller didn’t feel like he was being used the right way with the Giants, which led him to make a drastic and career-altering decision.
However, it may have been the right move for the veteran tight end, as he has gotten off to a great start with the Dolphins, who seem to be using him the way he wants and to the best of his ability.
Darren Waller Back to Form as Elite Tight End With Dolphins
Darren Waller Miami Dolphins
GettyDarren Waller #83 of the Miami Dolphins.
In only three games of his stint with the Dolphins, Waller has been putting up solid numbers, which has made him a player to watch for the rest of the 2025 campaign.
“From taking so much time off, you never know what to expect jumping back in the mix out there. It’s a fast game,” Waller told Schultz. “It’s a game that you need reps to prepare for, and I didn’t have very many, but at the same time, I feel like God gave me some gifts, and I’ve had enough time playing the game where I can get back out there and my body can kind of react. Things still feel like the game is moving at a slow enough speed to process and make a play for my team when they need it.”
Waller already seems to be on the same page with Dolphins star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, as it didn’t take long for the two to strike up some chemistry on the gridiron.
“I like how anticipatory he is,” Waller said of Tagovailoa. “That ball is like on you, and the timing that you needed to react and make something happen. Just very calm and poised. It’s the same way I approach the game. Not being like being too tight. Being far from being tense while also not being too loose. Hovering in that middle is how I like to approach the game and play the game, and I think he does the same.”
Waller has caught 10 passes for 117 receiving yards and four touchdowns so far, thrusting him back into the conversation for being one of the best players at his position in the NFL.