Las Vegas Raiders TE Darren Waller shares testimony on 'Walking Miracle' album
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller released a new album, "Walking Miracle" on Wednesday. The project is made up of 13 tracks, nine of which he produced himself.
The album opens with a spoken word where the Pro Bowler shares the meaning behind the title: "Walking miracle, got tired of trying to fit a square peg in a hole that's spherical, I'm just lucky to be here with you. ... My old diet consisted of alcohol and pain killers, but somehow the high of it only made the pain realer."
Waller went to rehab after being suspended by the NFL for the 2017 season for violating its substance abuse policy as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. He returned to the gridiron in 2018 with his new team and has credited music for helping him get clean.
GIVING BACK: Raiders TE Darren Waller named finalist for NFLPA Alan Page Community Award
WATCH: Raiders' Darren Waller is "Unfazed" in latest music video
“The music gave me something to look forward to and something to express myself and speak in a positive fashion," he told ESPN's Andscape in July. "And that’s where I feel like I got confidence from.
"Walking Miracle" has a combination of thoughtful reflections and up-tempo songs. "Reynolds Prayer" opens with a sermon from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while "Wait on You" is a prayerful track in the same vein of "All Things" off his last album, 2021's "Delusions of Clarity." Waller "sweet talks" a woman on "Take a Chance," a song with a jazzy flair."
Waller is the great-grandson of jazz legend Fats Waller.
Waller received support from teammate Maxx Crosby on his Instagram post announcing "Walking Miracle." The defensive end posted a series of emojis in the comments section.
He also released the video for the piano-laced "School of Hard Blocks" where he goes back to the classroom and raps about overcoming adversity.
PAYDAY: Las Vegas Raiders sign Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller to 3-year, $51 million extension
Waller battled through injury for much of the 2022 NFL season where the Raiders finished 6-11. He only played in nine games and had 28 receptions for 388 yards and three touchdowns.
In the offseason, he signed a three-year, $51 million extension.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Raiders TE Darren Waller releases 'Walking Miracle' album
