Darren Waller never reached his potential with the Baltimore Ravens, but he’s turned it around with the Oakland Raiders, and we should celebrate that.
Count me in as one of Darren Waller’s doubters when he joined the Oakland Raiders and became a fan-favorite on HBO’s Hard Knocks Training Camp this summer. No one could blame me, as Waller struggled throughout his stint with the Baltimore Ravens to see the field thanks to drug abuse. It simply didn’t appear that he wanted a career in the National Football League, leading myself and plenty of others to write him off.
We never could’ve predicted that Darren Waller would turn it all around and stay true to his recovery after so many suspensions and failed expectations. Now, he’s a star tight end for the Oakland Raiders and is on his way to a Pro Bowl-caliber season.
I held off on writing this article for so long because I could never get my feelings together for Darren Waller sorted out. In one sense, I was happy for him. Everyone deserves second chances, and the Raiders gave him his. Waller has seized his opportunity and is now becoming a fan-favorite across the league.
Still, I had feelings of anger as well. To see Waller put it together with a new team was disheartening and had me playing the “what if” game in my head. I was envious and bitter about how he spent his time with the Ravens. Rather than seeing it as a redemption arc, I was selfish for quite some time.
There was also a large part of me filled with doubt that he could sustain his success. Addicts will often fall back into their addictions and I was afraid that Waller could relapse into his old ways and began failing tests once again. Alas, he’s proven to be clean and is committed to staying clean; something we should all applaud him for.
I am truly sorry for ever doubting Darren Waller and at times expecting him to fail. Instead of rooting for him, I was waiting for him to mess it all up. I never cheered against him; rather I was expecting and preparing for the worst. Waller had all sorts of hype this offseason and I couldn’t take it seriously. I was wrong to feel the way I did, but I couldn’t be happier about it.
The story of Darren Waller is one that should be told to kids everywhere. To see an individual claw their way up from the darkest part of their life and redeem themselves and prove others wrong is a wonderful tale. Waller is truly an inspiration that should be celebrated this season, and even after his failed time in Charm City, Baltimore Ravens fans should relish and cheer for Waller and his reclamation.