Bag Secured! NFL Star Darren Waller Built a Multi-Million Dollar Net Worth Before Retiring
Darren Waller has announced that he's retiring from the NFL, but he built a substantial net worth that reflects his success on the field.
By D.M.June 27 2024, Published 5:39 p.m. ET
After overcoming personal battles and defying the odds, Darren Waller has emerged as one of the premier tight ends.
Long before his entry into the league, Darren was a star athlete with hopes of making it big. He excelled in football and track at North Cobb High School and later earned a scholarship to Georgia Tech.
At Georgia Tech, he played as a wide receiver from 2011 to 2014, where he showcased his exceptional catching abilities and speed. Despite being relatively under the radar, Darren caught the attention of NFL scouts ahead of the 2015 draft.
Darren was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round as the 204th overall pick. His transition to the professional league, however, was marred by personal struggles.
He faced substance abuse issues, leading to a series of suspensions, including a significant one-year suspension in 2017 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, according to Bleacher Report.
Darren’s path in the NFL is a testament to resilience and transformation. From grappling with addiction and facing career-threatening challenges to becoming one of the league's top tight ends, he has not only rebuilt his life but also amassed a significant net worth.
Darren Waller mentors pro football prospects at IcyHot Pro event.
Darren Waller’s net worth has fluctuated over the years.
Waller'sDarren'sDarrenWaller'sWaller'sDarren'sDarren Waller’s life off the field has been riddled with drama. His struggles with substance abuse led to multiple suspensions, significantly impacting his early earnings. By 2017, Darren's NFL future and financial stability were in jeopardy due to a year-long suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Darren Waller #12 of the New York Giants.
However, the athlete has made a significant career comeback. His fortunes began to change in 2018 when the Oakland Raiders signed him from their practice squad.
His performance in the seasons that followed was captivating, earning him a major payday. According to Business Insider, Darren became one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL after signing a $51 million deal in 2022.
His net worth now sits at $5 million, according to LuxLux.
Darren Waller
Former football player
Net worth: $5 million
Darren Waller is a former NFL player, who previously played for the Baltimore Ravens, the Oakland Raiders, and the New York Giants.
Birth name: O'Shea Jackson
Birthday: September 13, 1992
Birthplace: Landover, Maryland
Education: Georgia Institute of Technology
Spouse: Kelsey Plum (divorced: 2024)
Father: Dorian Waller
Mother: Charlena Waller
Darren continued to face challenges leading up to his retirement.
On June 9, Darren Waller announced that he would be retiring from football. In a video posted to his YouTube channel, the former NFL star said the decision came after several life challenges – which include a medical complication and his looming divorce. He described experiencing a frightening health scare that caused him to look at life differently.
“The fever starts to build, I start to get the chills and stuff like that,” Darren recalled. "By the time I pull into my parking garage at my condo and get out of the car, I'm, like, shaking pretty violently, like uncontrollably.” He went on to suggest that he almost died. However, Darren did not reveal what caused the episode.
Nonetheless, he said the incident caused him to reevaluate everything.
He added: “I don’t know if I really feel like if I would’ve died that I would’ve felt great about how my life was going." Darren’s revelation comes months after WNBA champion Kelsey Plum filed for divorce from the former NFL tight end, per People.
