Darren Waller

Darren Waller is a professional football tight end whose career has been defined by athletic success, personal adversity, recovery and multiple comebacks. Originally a wide receiver at Georgia Tech, he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2015 National Football League (NFL) Draft.

Waller joined the Raiders in 2018 and quickly emerged as one of the NFL's top tight ends. In 2020, he caught 107 passes for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Over five seasons with the Raiders, he recorded 286 receptions for 3,572 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Waller's career was interrupted by a highly public struggle with substance abuse. After an NFL suspension and missing the 2017 season, he entered recovery and returned to football. His experiences inspired the Darren Waller Foundation, which supports young people dealing with substance abuse and related mental-health challenges.

After a 2023 season with the New York Giants, Waller announced his retirement in 2024. He returned to the NFL with the Miami Dolphins in 2025, playing nine games and catching 24 passes for 283 yards and six touchdowns. In August 2026, he signed with the Carolina Panthers, marking another chapter in his remarkable football career.

Away from football, Waller has pursued music and songwriting. His openness about addiction, recovery and life beyond sports has made him an influential advocate for mental health and personal reinvention.