Darren Waller praises Giants organization, team ownership

Retired New York Giants tight end Darren Waller only spent one injury-laden season with the team but that’s all it took for them to earn his ever-lasting respect.

Speaking on the Ross Tucker Podcast, Waller sang the praises of ownership, who he called “present,” and believes the team is headed in the right direction.

“It’s the little things that matter, that show they care about individual players,” Waller said. “Dabes and Schoen are doing the best they can to build a great organization. They care about players. They’re interested in guys’ opinions.”

The Giants acquired Waller in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders last March in exchange for a third-round draft pick. Waller could not stay healthy, however, as was limited to 12 games with a tricky hamstring.

Waller still managed to snare 52 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown but it was clear he was beginning to decline. His personal problems, including a divorce from WNBA star Kelsey Plum after one year of marriage, were weighing heavy on Waller and contributed to his decision to retire from football.

The Giants have attempted to backfill the void left behind by Waller by signing veterans Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz and selecting Theo Johnson in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.

The team is also retaining Daniel Bellinger — last year’s No. 2 — and Lawrence Cager, a player who appears to improve every year.