Darren Waller makes a comeback in a Raiders reunion with Jon Gruden

Just five years ago, Darren Waller set the Raiders’ record for most receptions in a season, surpassing a 23-year-old milestone held by Hall of Famer Tim Brown.

Two years ago, he left the team with the 6th-most receptions in franchise history.

And last year, at only 31 years old, he announced his retirement from the NFL and then vanished from the public eye.

Waller’s name is deeply embedded in the Raiders’ history books, with remarkable receiving stats to his credit. Beyond the numbers, he was beloved by fans for his inspiring journey of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction and for his remarkable rise to become one of the top tight ends in the league after joining Oakland.

However, after his sudden retirement in 2024, fans hadn’t heard from him—until he recently reunited with his former coach, Jon Gruden, for a catch-up session.

Waller looks revitalized and content away from the football world. He wore a Raiders shirt, backing up his statement to Gruden that his best times as a player were spent with the Raiders, under Gruden’s leadership.

Now that he’s moved forward, it seems (at least from this short interview) that he has a deeper appreciation for his time in silver and black. In the conversation, Waller reflects warmly on his years in both Oakland and Las Vegas, recalling the tight-knit locker room and the offensive potential that was never fully realized.

Darren Waller will forever hold a significant place in Raiders history

Last year, when Gruden returned to the public stage, I mentioned how his talks with former Raiders players are invaluable to preserving the team’s legacy, as Gruden becomes the keeper of these untold stories.

That continues with his discussion with Waller. Their reunion provided Raider Nation with a chance to reconnect with a former player they hold dear and miss.

It’s all too common for longtime players to leave teams without a proper sendoff. The NFL is fast-paced, players come and go, and Waller was traded without much fanfare during the offseason. In an ideal world, Allegiant Stadium would’ve had the chance to honor Waller with one final farewell.

So here’s to Darren Waller, wishing you a well-earned and happy retirement. Thank you for almost five years of dedication in silver and black. Thank you for setting a new benchmark for Raiders tight ends. Thank you for creating your foundation to uplift Las Vegas youth. Raider Nation will always support you in your continued growth, both as a person and on this new journey. We’ll forever cheer for you, 83.