Early Life and Education
Daren Charles Waller was born on September 13, 1992 in Landover, Maryland. He spent his formative years moving between Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Marietta and Acworth, Georgia due to his parents’ careers. From an early age, Daren displayed both academic promise and athletic talent.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daren Charles Waller |
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Landover, Maryland |
| High School | North Cobb High School, Acworth, Georgia |
| High School Graduation | June 2011 |
| Early Sports | Basketball (2010 all-county), Track (400 m) |
At North Cobb High School, Waller excelled in football while also competing in basketball—averaging 14.2 points per game as a junior—and running a personal-best 51.8 seconds in the 400 meters. He graduated in June 2011 with a 3.6 GPA.
Collegiate Career at Georgia Tech
Waller enrolled at the Georgia Institute of Technology in August 2011, joining the Yellow Jackets football program as a wide receiver. His three-year collegiate stats reflect steady progression:
| Season | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 15 | 256 | 2 | 12 |
| 2013 | 18 | 345 | 3 | 13 |
| 2014 | 18 | 370 | 4 | 12 |
| Total | 51 | 971 | 9 | 37 |
- 2012: Made debut with 3 catches for 42 yards against Miami.
- 2013: Recorded season-high 8 receptions for 102 yards at Duke.
- 2014: Posted career-high 4 touchdowns over the final 5 games.
After accumulating 971 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, Waller opted to forgo his senior season, entering the 2015 NFL Draft in January.
NFL Draft and Early Professional Years
In May 2015, Daren Waller was selected in the sixth round (204th overall) of the NFL Draft. His initial contract included a four-year deal with an approximate total value of $2.4 million, including a $150,000 signing bonus.
| Year | Team | Position | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Baltimore Ravens | Wide Receiver | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | Baltimore Ravens | Wide Receiver | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | Oakland Raiders | Practice Squad | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- 2015–2016: Spent two seasons on active roster but did not record a reception.
- 2017: Sidelined on the practice squad, preparing for a position change.
Raiders Position Change and Breakout
In March 2018, Waller transitioned from wide receiver to tight end. This move coincided with his claim off waivers by the Oakland Raiders.
| Season | Position | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Tight End | 9 | 28 | 312 | 2 |
| 2019 | Tight End | 14 | 52 | 672 | 6 |
| 2020 | Tight End | 16 | 107 | 1,196 | 9 |
| 2021 | Tight End | 11 | 55 | 665 | 3 |
| 2022 | Tight End | 15 | 60 | 680 | 4 |
- 2018: Recorded first career reception on September 9; totaled 312 yards.
- 2019: Achieved first multi-touchdown game (2 TDs) versus Denver.
- 2020: Set franchise record for tight ends with 107 receptions, earning Pro Bowl nod.
- 2021: Missed 6 games due to injury but maintained over 50 catches.
- 2022: Surpassed 4,000 career receiving yards on October 16.
Career Totals and Milestones
Across 9 NFL seasons (2015–2023), Waller compiled the following career totals:
| Metric | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 86 |
| Total Receptions | 350 |
| Total Receiving Yards | 4,124 |
| Total Touchdowns | 20 |
| Pro Bowl Selections | 1 (2020) |
- First Reception: September 9, 2018 (at Denver).
- 1,000-yard Season: Achieved in 2020 with 1,196 yards.
- 4,000th Yard: Reached on October 16, 2022.
Personal Struggles and Recovery
Waller’s journey includes significant challenges with substance abuse. His substance use timeline:
| Age | Substance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Oxycodone | Experimentation after sports injury |
| 17 | Alcohol | Daily use during high school |
| 19 | Cocaine | Escalation during college off‑seasons |
| 24 | Overdose | Nearly fatal incident in July 2017 |
| 24 | Rehabilitation | Completed 34‑day program, sober since 2017 |
During his suspension in 2017, he worked at a supermarket, completing 240 hours of community service. Post‑rehab, he returned to training in January 2018, fully prepared for his NFL position change.
Family Background and Support System
Daren’s family provided the foundation for his resilience:
| Family Member | Relation | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Dorian Waller | Father | MIS graduate; supported Daren’s recovery |
| Charlena Waller | Mother | Real estate appraiser; first to detect issues |
| Deanna Waller | Older Sister | Emotional support during college |
| Thomas “Fats” Waller | Great-Grandfather | Jazz musician; cultural influence |
- Parents: Recognized early signs of addiction; intervened with professional treatment in 2017.
- Sister: Deanna, two years older, provided daily accountability and accompanied him to therapy sessions.
- Great-Grandfather: Legacy of musical creativity inspired Daren’s artistic pursuits.
Musical Pursuits and Foundation Work
Parallel to football, Waller cultivated a music career and philanthropic vision:
| Initiative | Year Founded | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Singles | 2019 | Released 3 tracks, including “Her Perspective” |
| Darren Waller Foundation | 2020 | Assists families battling addiction |
| Youth Music Workshops | 2021 | Conducts annual workshops for 100 participants |
- 2019: Produced and released first single, “Who Knew,” on digital platforms.
- 2020: Launched foundation; awarded $250,000 in grants to rehab programs.
- 2021: Hosted workshops in Las Vegas, New York, and Atlanta.
Final Season and Retirement
In March 2023, Waller signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants. His 2023 season included:
| Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 48 | 610 | 2 |
- September 12, 2023: Debuted with 6 receptions for 78 yards.
- December 3, 2023: Recorded longest career reception of 43 yards.
On June 5, 2024, at age 31, Waller announced his retirement, citing a serious health scare in April 2024 that required 48 hours of hospitalization for cardiac monitoring.
FAQ
When was Daren Waller born?
He was born on September 13, 1992, in Landover, Maryland.
What position did he play in college?
He played as a wide receiver at Georgia Tech from 2012 to 2014.
When did he switch to tight end?
He converted to tight end in March 2018 upon joining the Raiders.
How many Pro Bowls did he earn?
He was selected to one Pro Bowl following the 2020 season.
What foundation did he start?
He founded the Darren Waller Foundation in 2020 to support addiction recovery.
When did he retire?
He announced his retirement on June 5, 2024, at age 31.
