Giants’ Darren Waller opens up about near-death experience that forced him to re-evaluate life and football

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New York Giants tight end Darren Waller announced his shocking decision to retire from the NFL at age 31 in a video posted to social media over the weekend. 

However, in the nearly 18-minute long video posted to YouTube on Sunday, the veteran NFL player opened up about a terrifying medical emergency that he says played a big role in making that decision. 

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller, #12, in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Dec. 25, 2023. (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)

Waller, who played one season in New York last year, said that he was injured during the Giants’ Week 8 loss to the New York Jets, which forced him to remain back and rehab as the Giants traveled to Las Vegas for their game against the Raiders. 

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During that time, Waller said he also recorded the music video for his single "Faith Test." However, it was on the way home that the former NFL player said he began not to feel well, thinking it might be another bout of COVID. 

"By the time I pull into my parking garage at my condo and get out the car, I'm shaking pretty violently, uncontrollably to where I was like ‘This is a little weird, a little different. This one’s just going to be a little more difficult than before, I guess.’" 

Waller said he tried to sleep it off, but he woke up early the next morning unable to breathe. He then called 911. 

"It was a very scary situation. I ended up going to the hospital – was in there for three and half days… It was an experience that would sober somebody up and make them think, at least."

Darren Waller, #12 of