"It began as a heartwarming story about perseverance and the human condition. Who didn't root for Darren Waller coming out of retirement at 33 to attempt a career restart with the Miami Dolphins? Here was a story about a player who had beat back some personal demons in a manner to appreciate as much as him possibly helping the Dolphins' void at tight end. Every team could use a story of hope like him, right?"
"But it all hardened into business when Waller made the 53-man roster despite still not putting on pads. That was a sign the Dolphins were investing in an aging player who hadn't practiced in over a year - and hadn't impressed his final season with the New York Giants when he could play. He was taking the place of another possible player, too."
Darren Waller returned from retirement at 33 to attempt an NFL comeback with the Miami Dolphins after overcoming personal struggles. He missed training camp practices in July and did not play in August preseason games. The Dolphins listed him as their No. 1 tight end on the initial depth chart despite the lack of practice. Waller made the 53-man roster without having put on pads, displacing other potential players. The roster move drew scrutiny about valuing an aging player who had not impressed in his final season with the Giants. Team officials described a deliberate plan to bring him back slowly to preserve availability.
Read at Sun Sentinel
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