NFL star Darren Waller has shocked fans by announcing his retirement from the sport, just two weeks after releasing a song about his ex-wife, WNBA player Kelsey Plum. This turn of events in Waller’s personal life comes after he failed to attend offseason workouts with the New York Giants. The team had been aware for some time that Waller might not play beyond 2024, and it seems he made his decision official before this week’s mandatory minicamp. The tight end-turned-rapper is now calling time on his playing career. Waller, 31, joined the Giants last year following a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he proved himself as a top offensive player. Despite hamstring issues affecting his only season in New York, he managed 52 catches for 552 yards and a touchdown. READ MORE: New York Giants star makes statement for 2024 despite major uncertaintyREAD MORE: Louis Rees-Zammit given clear advice by Chiefs teammate which hints at NFL role In a statement, the Giants expressed their respect for Waller both as a person and a player, wishing him all the best for the future. Waller’s career began with two years at the Baltimore Ravens, but was interrupted when he was suspended for the entire 2017 season due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He was signed by the Raiders from Baltimore’s practice squad in 2018, leading to his breakout seasons in 2019 and 2020. Last month, Waller released a new song titled Who Knew (Her Version), seemingly aimed at Plum. The couple were married for 13 months before divorcing in April, and his new single addresses what he perceives as Plum’s betrayal. Waller’s latest single, released on YouTube and racking up over 80,000 views in just a day, is stirring up emotions with its sharp lyrics like “Take your time and heal,” “How long I got to climb up this hill? ” and the haunting refrain “who knew love could kill.” The music video, lasting three minutes, adds to the drama with a scene where Waller is backstabbed by a female actress who bears a striking resemblance to Plum. For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US . Plum had previously expressed her heartbreak on social media, stating: “I’m devastated. I walked through fire for that man, but I now see it’s time to go.” She continued, “God has given me an incredible life, and I’m truly so grateful for the profound love from my family and friends. 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.” The couple, Plum and Waller, became known as a dynamic duo in Las Vegas’ sports scene after going public with their relationship in 2022, having dated in private before. She’s a star player for the WNBA’s Aces, while Waller was a key figure for the Raiders until his trade to the Giants. Waller bows out of his NFL career with impressive stats: 350 catches, 4,124 yards, and 20 touchdowns across 86 games. The Giants’ tight end lineup now includes Daniel Bellinger, Jack Stoll, Chris Manhertz, Lawrence Cager, Tyree Jackson, and rookie Theo Johnson. * An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
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