Darren Waller has opened up for the first time since his divorce from WNBA star Kelsey Plum, two months after their split in April.
The former New York Giants player shared his reflections on the breakdown of his one-year marriage during an appearance on Power 105.1’s ‘The Breakfast Club.’
Waller, who announced his retirement from the NFL last month after an eight-season career, admitted that Plum’s decision to end their relationship forced him to confront his own shortcomings. “You talk about getting honest or die lying, you kinda got to look at yourself and realize, alright, what role am I playing that all the relatonships in my life have always had the same patterns,” he said on Monday’s episode.
He discussed the impact of his co-dependency issues, noting, “Any time I’m in a relationship, I feel like I gotta dance or do a certain thing to keep this person around, almost tying my self-worth to the success of a relationship. You realize how much you lose yourself and doing the things that you love and things that take care of you on a daily basis.”
Waller also acknowledged that making Plum “the center of [his] universe” was ultimately unhealthy for both of them. “Realizing that and realizing the impact that it was having on me, as far as making decisions that were authentic for the life that I wanted, these are things that I couldn’t say 100 percent yes to. You have certain conversations and realize there’s so much life ahead of both of us, might as well just go ahead and live it and move on with no type of hostility,” he explained.
The 31-year-old former tight end and Plum, a two-time WNBA champion, got married in March 2023. By the following April, reports began to surface about the deterioration of their relationship. Plum posted a heartfelt message on social media, expressing her pain and hinting at the reasons behind their split.
“I’m devastated. I walked through fire for that man, but now I see it’s time to go. God has given me an incredible life, and I’m truly so grateful for the profound love from my family and friends. One day I’ll share my story, but today is not that day. Thank you for the grace to process my pain, to forgive and move forward. Today and every day I continue to choose joy,” she wrote.
Waller responded to Plum’s comments with understanding and respect, acknowledging her right to express herself. “I was never perfect, and some of the reasons that motivated me to leave, they caused harm, they hurt. I respect whatever way she wants to express herself,” he said. “I’m out here trying to improve and by no means claiming to be a victim in any way, I’m all good with it.”
Reflecting on his NFL career, Waller concluded his journey with impressive stats: 350 receptions for 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Now, he is focused on personal growth and moving forward after the end of both his marriage and his professional football career.
