Darren Waller is an American former professional football tight end who played in the NFL for nine seasons. He has become one of the most inspiring figures in the NFL today. He is the grandson of composer and jazz pianist Fats Waller.
After his retirement, people are interested in Darren Waller’s net worth. If you are one of them, then read this whole article. We will discuss his early career to retirement journey and his net worth as of 2024.
Early & Personal Life
Darren Waller was born in Landover, Maryland, on September 13, 1992 (age 31). His parents are Dorian and Charlena Waller. He has a sister named Deanna. He produces hip-hop music in his spare time.
Darren Waller married Kelsey Plum on March 4, 2023. After one year of marriage, Waller and Plum filed for divorce on April 23, 2024. In 2024, he released a song titled “Who Knew” about his ex-wife. The song received mixed reviews, with some saying it was poor quality.
Professional Career
Darren Waller has emerged as a standout player in American football. His journey from early struggles to NFL success is a testament to his determination. Scroll down to learn about his remarkable career journey.
Early Career
Darren Waller played football at Georgia Tech as a wide receiver. He redshirted his freshman season in 2011 and entered the 2015 NFL draft after forgoing his final year of eligibility.
Baltimore Ravens ( 2015-2018 Season)
In the 2015 National Football League draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Darren Waller in the sixth round with the 204th overall pick. The selection was acquired in exchange for Rolando McClain in a trade. He became the 27th wide receiver drafted in 2015. On May 7, 2015, the Ravens signed him to a four-year, $2.39 million contract with a signing bonus of $104,732.
During the training camp, he vied for a roster spot as a backup wide receiver against Kamar Aiken, Michael Campanaro, and Marlon Brown. On the depth chart, Head Coach John Harbaugh named Darren Waller the sixth wide receiver to start his rookie season, behind Aiken, Steve Smith, Campanaro, Breshad, Perriman, and Brown.
At a news conference in March, head coach John Harbaugh announced that Waller would be transitioning to the tight end position. On July 1, 2016, he was suspended for the first 4 games of the 2016 National Football League (NFL) season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
On June 30, 2017, he was suspended for one year without pay for again violating the substance-abuse policy. On August 7, 2018, the league reinstated him after he completed a rehabilitation program at Borden Cottage and served his year-long suspension. He was waived on September 1, 2018, and signed to the practice squad the next day.
Oakland Raiders (2018-2022 season)
Waller was waived on September 1, 2018, and signed to the practice squad the next day. On November 26, 2018, the Oakland Raiders signed Waller off the Ravens’ practice squad. In the 2018 season, he appeared in four games and made six receptions for 75 yards.
However, in the 2019 season, he started to excel. After signing a 3-year contract extension with the Oakland Raiders, Waller finished the campaign on a high note, being named to the 2020 Pro Bowl as an alternate. He finished this season with 90 receptions for 1,145 yards and 3 touchdowns.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL fined him $30K for hosting a maskless charity event On October 5, 2020. Waller finished with career highs in 107 receptions for the season, receiving 1,196 yards and 9 touchdowns.
In the 2021 regular season, Darren Waller had an outstanding performance, ranking fourth in the NFL with 107 receptions and first among tight ends. His yardage ranked tenth overall and second among tight ends, and he earned his first Pro Bowl honors.
Waller showcased his skills during the 2021 season opener with ten receptions for 105 receiving yards and a touchdown. Ultimately, he wrapped up the 2021 season with 55 receptions, 665 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in 11 games.
Furthermore, on September 10, 2022, Waller secured a record-setting three-year, $51 million contract extension with the Raiders, solidifying his status as the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.
New York Giants
On March 15, 2023, Darren Waller was traded to the New York Giants for a compensatory 2023 3rd-round pick previously traded from the Kansas City Chiefs in the Kadarius Toney trade.
Retirement
On June 9, 2024, Darren Waller announced his retirement from football after eight seasons.
Darren Waller’s Net Worth
According to Hot New Hip Hop, Darren Waller’s net worth is around $3 million. His net worth is associated with his current brand endorsements, including Pepsi, Snickers, Wilson, Body Armour, and Inscriptagraphs. Of course, another significant part of his net worth comes from his contracts within the NFL.
The Ravens signed him to a four-year, $2.39 million contract with a signing bonus of $104,732 on May 7, 2015. On September 10, 2022, Waller secured a record-setting 3-year, $51 million contract extension with the Oakland Raiders, solidifying his status as the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.
Darren Waller Foundation
In 2020, Waller founded the Darren Waller Foundation to help youth avoid and recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol and to provide support for youth and their families during the recovery and treatment process.
His dedication to providing resources and support for recovery is rooted in his own experience. He began drinking at the age of 16 and regularly took oxycodone from 15, later admitting to overdosing on pills and taking cocaine.