Top Tight End Considering Retirement, Per the New York Giants
Over the last three seasons, Waller has missed a total of 19 games, and as a result, he is thinking about retiring. With 52 receptions, 552 yards, and one touchdown in 12 games, Waller concluded the 2023 campaign.
In Week 8, Waller’s persistent hamstring strain flared up again, forcing him to be placed on injured reserve. The 2022 season saw the return of the same hamstring problem, which also led to an injured reserved spell.
Waller has been considering retiring from the game as a result of the same injury recurring, which may frequently have a significant negative psychological impact on a player. Waller discussed the potential of leaving the Giants and the game of football with Vic Tafur of The Athletic.
At some time, Waller said, “I have to make a decision.” “To succeed in the grind, you must be fully committed. In order to avoid doing the guys I am suiting up with a disservice, I have to make sure I am bringing that to the table. Regardless of my decision, I also want to give the team enough time to get ready for the upcoming campaign. Although this was a challenging choice, here we are.”
Waller added that he intends to decide on this before the April 25 start of the 2024 NFL Draft. “That would be ideal, but I also don’t want to put that on myself,” Waller stated. “It’s gotta be before summer break, for sure.”
Waller had to consider his health, even though it is strange to believe that he would be retiring after two seasons with 1,000 or more yards. Whatever hamstring problems he still has don’t seem to be getting better. Waller has been quite productive despite his injury problems, even if he was far more effective in the past as a pass-catcher.
If he chooses to come back for his ninth season, he could have to consider a different strategy to get through his first full season since 2020. After Waller, the Giants currently have Tyree Jackson, Chris Manhertz, Daniel Bellinger, and Jack Stoll as tight end alternatives. However, none have produced in close proximity to Waller.