Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Episode: Rory & Mal Don't Know Ball | Darren Waller

Release Date: February 27, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of New Rory & MAL, hosts Rory and Mal engage in an insightful and candid conversation with Darren Waller, the standout tight end for the New York Giants and former Raider. The discussion delves deep into Waller's personal journey, encompassing his early life, music influences, professional transition within the NFL, challenges with substance abuse, and his burgeoning music career. This comprehensive dialogue offers listeners a multifaceted view of Waller's life both on and off the field.

Early Life and Musical Influences

Darren Waller opens up about his diverse musical upbringing, shaped significantly by his family's eclectic tastes. Born in Maryland and raised primarily in Georgia, Waller was exposed to a blend of genres from a young age.

• Family's Influence:
  "My dad would play like Old Dirty Bastard in the whip... we were singing like ODB lyrics," [03:59]. Waller's father's roots in Queens brought authentic New York hip-hop vibes into his household, fostering an early appreciation for artists like Mobb Deep and Ludacris.

• Broad Musical Palette:
  Growing up, Waller's mother favored smooth jazz and Michael Jackson, exposing him to a variety of sounds beyond hip-hop.
  "And I remember crying when I heard this song by Daughtry when I was in middle school," [11:33], highlighting his openness to different genres.

Transition to the NFL: Wide Receiver to Tight End

Waller discusses his transition from wide receiver in college to tight end in the professional leagues, detailing the challenges and adjustments required for the position change.

• Learning to Block:
  "I had to learn how to block because now you're trying to gather away at DL linemen and linebackers," [46:43]. This shift demanded a new skill set, emphasizing run-blocking techniques and physical resilience.

• Adapting to Team Cultures:
  Comparing his experiences with the Raiders and Giants, Waller highlights the contrasting fan bases and organizational cultures.
  "Raiders, Eagles, the Jets to some degree are more like college football fans to me," [19:13], illustrating his perspective on different team environments.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health

A poignant segment of the conversation addresses Waller's struggles with substance abuse and his journey toward sobriety.

• Personal Challenges:
  "I've been sober for seven years and I feel like I've just been spinning my tires," [62:03]. Waller reflects on his battle with addiction, emphasizing the importance of mental health and self-awareness.

• Impact of Football:
  "Football was directly connected to my substance abuse early on," [31:39]. The high-pressure environment and physical toll of the sport contributed to his reliance on substances as a coping mechanism.

NCAA and NIL Deals: Changing Landscape of College Sports

Waller provides his perspective on the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college sports, contrasting it with his own experiences.

• Economic Disparities:
  "At 18, you get motherf**ers going in with M's out of high school,"* [25:36]. He critiques the current NIL environment, suggesting it fosters instant gratification over long-term development.

• Character Development:
  "There are lessons you learn in college... consistency that I was able to develop helped me to build a career," [28:02]. Waller underscores the value of perseverance and gradual growth, which he feels may be undermined by the current trends.

Music Career: From Passion to Profession

Beyond football, Darren Waller has nurtured a passion for music, which he now pursues more actively post-NFL.

• Early Beginnings:
  "I was making music since 2015... It was just like some people knew about it, some people didn't," [55:37]. Initially a personal hobby, Waller's music became a therapeutic outlet during his athletic career.

• Collaborations and Projects:
  Currently collaborating with artists like Syre and Jrod, Waller is expanding his musical repertoire.
  "We got a record called Mind Games and more... experimenting with a lot of new things," [68:47], indicating his dedication to evolving as an artist.

Personal Insights and Advice

Waller shares thoughtful advice for his younger self and others facing similar struggles.

• Defining Personal Identity:
  "You gotta define what it is you want and who you want to be and not be overtaken by the current of what the world wants you to be," [66:37]. Emphasizing authenticity over societal expectations, Waller encourages self-discovery and personal fulfillment.

• Embracing Change:
  "Trust who you are. Don't feel like you gotta abandon that for fitting in," [67:54]. He advocates for staying true to oneself amidst external pressures and challenges.

Locker Room Dynamics and Team Culture

A lighter yet insightful discussion ensues about the unique cultures within locker rooms across different NFL teams.

• Raider vs. Giants Fans:
  "Raiders fans are really aggressive... They'll have a whole Raiders sleeve," [17:47]. Waller contrasts this with the more composed environment of Giants fans, highlighting the diversity in fan behavior and its influence on players.

• Music and Dominance:
  "Our whole life, we're being rewarded for imposing our will on people and being celebrated for it," [35:16]. This ingrained sense of dominance from football often carries over into social settings, affecting interactions outside the sport.

Favorite Music and Cultural References

Waller and the hosts engage in a lively debate over favorite music albums and movies, reflecting their diverse tastes and cultural backgrounds.

• Music Preferences:
  From Ludacris’s humorous antics to his own budding R&B influences, Waller showcases a broad and evolving musical taste.
  "I think Luda was actually the blueprint, especially from the south, for a rapper," [07:44].

• Football Movies:
  Debating classics like Friday Night Lights and Any Given Sunday, Waller praises the latter for its deep insight into the life of professional athletes.
  "Any Given Sunday was so ahead of its time... one of the most brilliant movies that's ever existed," [74:19].

Darren Waller Foundation: Giving Back

Waller discusses his philanthropic efforts through the Darren Waller Foundation, aimed at supporting those struggling with substance abuse.

• Foundation's Mission:
  "We've been really just giving people access to treatment, to go to 30 days in rehab, to have aftercare sober living," [59:25]. Inspired by his own experiences, Waller is committed to helping others overcome similar challenges.

• Impact:
  "We've seen... 72 people through treatment," [60:11]. The foundation has made significant strides in providing essential support and resources to individuals in need.

Conclusion

Darren Waller's conversation on New Rory & MAL offers a profound look into the complexities of balancing professional sports, personal struggles, and creative passions. From his early musical influences to his commitment to mental health and philanthropy, Waller exemplifies resilience and authenticity. His insights provide valuable lessons on self-identity, the importance of seeking help, and the pursuit of one's passions beyond societal expectations.

Notable Quotes:

• "Why we gotta pick, bro?" – Darren Waller [05:52]
• "Trust who you are. Don't feel like you gotta abandon that for fitting in." – Darren Waller [66:37]
• "Any Given Sunday was so ahead of its time... one of the most brilliant movies that's ever existed." – Darren Waller [74:19]
• "I've been sober for seven years and I feel like I've just been spinning my tires." – Darren Waller [62:03]
• "We're being rewarded for imposing our will on people and being celebrated for it." – Darren Waller [35:16]

This episode serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming adversity, the importance of authenticity, and the power of following one's passions. Darren Waller's openness and vulnerability provide listeners with both entertainment and valuable life lessons.