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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Darren Waller trade: What to know about Miami Dolphins TE, who's coming out of retirement
The Miami Dolphins traded for retired tight end Darren Waller a day after they sent tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers as part of the Jalen Ramsey-Minkah Fitzpatrick deal. The Dolphins gave up a 2026 sixth-round draft pick for Waller and a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2027. Reportedly, the Dolphins have signed the eight-year veteran, who retired in June 2024, to a one-year, $5 million deal. The Dolphins were thin at the position after including Smith in the Steelers trade and releasing veteran Durham Smythe in February. Third-year pro Julian Hill was the only returning tight end who logged any significant production with the Dolphins last season, catching 12 passes for 100 yards. Other names currently in the Dolphins' tight end room are Pharaoh Brown, Tanner Conner and undrafted free agent Hayden Rucci. Waller, 32, told people close to him that he "missed football" and was returning for the love of the game, a source told ESPN's Jordan Raanan. More: Looking at all aspects of blockbuster Dolphins trades of Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith | Schad Waller has a very interesting history. He went through a public break-up with WNBA star Kelsey Plum and has released music in the past. He also has dealt with substance abuse going back to his college years at Georgia Tech. Let's take a dive into the newest Dolphin: What are Darren Waller's career statistics? Waller is entering his ninth year in the NFL and has recorded 350 catches, 4,124 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. In 2023, he caught 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown for the New York Giants while missing six weeks with a hamstring injury. Why did Darren Waller retire? Waller announced his retirement last year in a YouTube video. In the video, he described some of the reasons he chose to stop playing. "The passion is slowly been fading. I've, you know, made the decision that I'll be retiring from the NFL," Waller said. "Eternally grateful for the game of football. I wouldn't be able to have this conversation or to think things through or be self-reflective if it wasn't for an opportunity to save my life and go to rehab, which the NFL offered me." Does Darren Waller rap? Yes, Waller has more than 20,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and recently released singles "Choose Myself," "Top Play" and "Streets Get Cold" in 2025. Did Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum get divorced? Yes, the two divorced in April 2024 after spending a little more than a year married. What about Darren Waller's substance-abuse battle? Waller has been open about his battle with substance abuse. He served a four-game suspension in 2016 and a full-season suspension in 2017. He spoke with Steve Smith about his journey in 2019, saying he started taking pills when he was 15 years old. He also said he played football while under the influence of drugs or alcohol while at Georgia Tech. After going through rehabilitation in Maine for 30 days, Waller ended up working in a grocery store stocking shelves and bagging groceries before getting another chance in the NFL. "I was feeling all that pain and taking my pain out on the world. It wasn't always me being the victim, which I thought I was," he said. "I was being the culprit. I just realized I had the power to change it. That whole experience was necessary. "I worked so hard to get back. Every aspect of it was true, it was clean. It was like a reset button." This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' Darren Waller: TE coming out of retirement
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Jon Gruden Reacts to New York Giants' Stunning Trade
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. On Tuesday morning, the New York Giants executed a move that left the football world stunned. Following news of their latest trade, one longtime head coach chimed in with his thoughts on a former Pro-Bowler returning to the NFL. Back in 2023, the Giants traded for tight end Darren Waller to bolster their offense. Things did not go as planned, as he played one season with the franchise. Due to medical reasons, Waller felt it was in his best interest to retire from the game of football. Following some time away, the 32-year-old is ready to get his career back on track. Reports emerged this week that he is coming out of retirement, but won't be suiting up for the Giants. New York has decided to trade Waller to the Miami Dolphins for a future draft pick. From there, he will sign a one-year deal with the franchise. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 10: Head coach John Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on before a game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 10: Head coach John Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on before a game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Former Raiders HC Jon Gruden is back in the NFL. MoreAlso read: NY Giants Pull Off Shocking Trade Involving Former Pro-Bowler Seeing that this development came seemingly out of nowhere, many were surprised to see Waller making a comeback to the NFL. As he prepares for this new journey, one of his former coaches appears to support his decision. Among the notable names to join the discourse of the Waller trade online was Jon Gruden. He made a post on X (formerly Twitter) sharing his excitement about the veteran tight end coming back. Gruden also shared a clip of him and Waller singing along to the latter's music. My man Darren Waller is back! Play the song! — Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) July 1, 2025 Aside from football, music has always been one of Waller's passions. Over the past few years, he's put out countless songs across streaming platforms. Per Spotify, the now Dolphins tight end has over 21,000 monthly listeners. Waller and Gruden are singing along to his top hit "Top Play," which has close to 100,000 streams on the platform. Also read: Analyst Opens up on 'Established' NY Giants Rookie Jaxson Dart Waller and Gruden built up a strong relationship during their time together with the Las Vegas Raiders. Back in 2020, the organization brought in Gruden to take over head coaching duties. Waller ended up being one of the main benefactors of this move, as he put together a career year in his first season under Gruden. After racking up 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns (both career-highs), he landed the first and only Pro-Bowl selection of his career. After a year away from the game, Waller will now attempt to provide a boost to the Dolphins' offense. For more New York Giants and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jon Gruden Sends Message to Darren Waller Amid Dolphins Trade
Jon Gruden Sends Message to Darren Waller Amid Dolphins Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Las Vegas Raiders brought back head coach Jon Gruden ahead of the 2018 NFL season, marking the second time he has been at the helm of the franchise. He also coached the team from 1998 to 2001. Advertisement Unfortunately, his winning percentage dropped from 59.4% to 41.5% during his second tenure (via Pro Football Reference). However, he did spot tight end Darren Waller during a pregame warmup against the Baltimore Ravens, and he ended up becoming a key catalyst for the Raiders' offense. Waller recorded 197 catches for 2,341 yards and 12 touchdowns during his two full seasons under Gruden. He recently retired from the NFL after a brief stint with the New York Giants. Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (83).Kirby Lee-Imagn Images But on Tuesday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that Waller was coming out of retirement, as the Giants traded him to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a late-round pick swap. Advertisement Gruden responded to this news by posting a quick message for Waller on social media and attaching a video of the two together. "My man Darren Waller is back!" Gruden wrote. "Play the song!" The song that Gruden is referring to is "Top Play," a song that Waller released himself during his retirement when he was making music. The two can be seen in the video singing along to it together. Waller caught just 52 passes for 552 yards and a touchdown in 12 games for the Giants in 2023. He did not appear in the NFL last season. He will join a tight end room that features players like Julian Hill, Pharaoh Brown and Tanner Conner. Advertisement Related: Maxx Crosby Makes Surprising Raiders Comparison Ahead of Training Camp Related: Raiders' Geno Smith Responds to Backlash Over Viral Video This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'What the f‑k am I doing?': Darren Waller reveals real reason behind comeback after stepping away from NFL and facing health battle
'What the f‑k am I doing?': Darren Waller reveals real reason behind comeback after stepping away from NFL and facing health battle (Image via Getty) Big news just came in: Darren Waller is ready to swap his mic for a helmet again. After retiring from the NFL in June 2024 and diving into a rap career, Darren Waller is now making a surprise move. Fans are left guessing: why leave music, where did he decide this, and what changed his mind? The ex-tight end from the New York Giants took time off, released tracks like 'Top Play,' and talked about health and life. But now Waller is back, aiming for one more season in pro football. The full story is here. Darren Waller's retirement from music and NFL return Darren Waller, born September 13, 1992, retired from the NFL in June 2024 after eight seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants. He surprised many when he left football and started releasing music singles such as 'Top Play' in April 2025. Darren Waller described leaving the field during a game on October 15, 2023, against the Buffalo Bills, thinking, 'What the f‑k am I doing?'. In June 2024, he officially retired to focus on healing from a health scare and to explore music and podcasting. Now, around mid‑June 2025, reports say Darren Waller plans to return to the NFL and informed the New York Giants of his decision. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo by Taboola by Taboola He called off his rapping stint, ending the chapter after 'Top Play' made a splash online. New York Giants fans are now watching closely to see when and where he will suit up again. Darren Waller on health, music and a new NFL chapter Darren Waller has been open about his struggles. In November 2023, he nearly lost consciousness at his New Jersey home due to severe breathing trouble, spending days in hospital—an event he calls life-changing. That scare pushed him to step away from football and dive into music. In April 2025,Darren Waller posted on X/X (formerly Twitter): 'Top Play OUT NOW!! Go spin that,' showing he was serious about the music life. The song grabbed attention, with The Times of India calling him a 'retired NFL star' who 'drops a banger' and proving his future might lie in music. But now Darren Waller has changed course again. He informed the New York Giants he's retiring from rapping and returning to the NFL for one more run. At 32, he's ready for a fresh football challenge. His story shows a man balancing health, creativity, and his love for the game—all while fans wait to see his next move. Also Read: Retired NFL Star Darren Waller Drops A Banger 'Top Play' And Proves His Future Might Just Be In Music Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Duprey Grabs ABC/FOX Top Play of Week
PLATTSBURGH, NY – Chazy baseball player, Landon Duprey made a great catch out in centerfield last week, to not only become one of the Top Play of the Week Nominees, but also win the ABC22/FOX44 Top Play spot. See his amazing catch in the video above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
