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Silver Minings: Darren Waller’s battle with addiction is the subject of Fox Sports special

An inspirational story on the Raiders’ tight end debuts this Friday

By Bill Williamson
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Las Vegas Raiders v Denver Broncos
Darren Waller
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Bill Williamson is the site manager of Silver and Black Pride. He has covered the NFL since 1996 and he has covered the Raiders since 2008.

Darren Waller’s story is one of the most inspirational and fascinating in the NFL.

Now, the world can learn more about the Las Vegas Raiders’ superstar tight end’s incredible journey from a substance abuser who nearly died to a premier player at his position. Beginning Friday, Human: The Darren Waller Story will be available on all Fox Sports digital platforms. The trailer for the project is stunning;

Waller was suspended for the entire 2017 NFL season after being a sixth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens (who the Raiders host on Monday night, which is also Waller’s 29th birthday) because of recurring substance abuse issues. The Raiders later stole Waller off the Ravens’ practice field when they saw him work out before a game.

In the film, Raiders coach Jon Gruden said the Raiders saw a “freak” on the field and immediately wanted him. Waller became an instant star in 2019 and he is now considered an elite player.

Waller has been clean since the summer of 2017. He discloses in the film that he overdosed on the day of a Baltimore preseason game and it changed his life forever.

“Life is really good now, but life wasn’t always this good,” Waller said in the film. “I would snort something until the sun comes up.”

That is a frightening image and this is powerful content.

If you’re a member of this community, you how how much I respect Waller — both as person and a dynamic player. Darren Wallers don’t just come around everyday. I encourage everyone to watch this project and rejoice for him, not only for being part of the Raider Nation, but for being an off-field inspiration to all.

In other Raiders’ links:

  • Preview time: The Athletic previews Las Vegas’ season.
  • Hobbs background: The Las Vegas Review-Journal has the back story of how the Raiders decided to draft Illinois cornerback Nate Hobbs in the fifth round. He looks like a real gem.
  • Allegiant Stadium vaccine info: The Las Vegas Review-Journal has the details of how fans can do pre-game day vaccine screening at Allegiant Stadium in advance of Monday’s opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
  • Hometown spirit: The Luxor casino and hotel in Las Vegas is showing its Raiders’ pride, leading up to the season.

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