Darren Waller releases new hip-hop/rap song and music video titled “In The Valley.” Please check it out above and drop a comment to let us know what you think about it.
Stream/Download:
All Platforms: darrenwaller.lnk.to/InTheValley
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/in-the-valley-single/1881382491
Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/0na24UZeZI3SH2AkWhGNZe
NFL athlete, recording artist and mental health advocate Darren Waller releases a soulful and self-reflective new single “In The Valley” via UnitedMasters. The music video was filmed along California’s iconic Big Sur coastline, capturing its breathtaking scenery as a stunning backdrop. The release comes on the heels of Waller becoming an unrestricted free agent in the NFL after playing for the Miami Dolphins last season.
“The greatest transformations in my life and well-being all started in the moments I felt I hit some sort of bottom,” says Waller. “This song is about not giving up. The ‘valley’ isn’t just a low point, it’s where the growth happens. Whether it’s on the field or in life, your setbacks don’t define your destiny, they prepare you for it.”
Produced by acclaimed Atlanta hitmaker JRod (K Camp, 6lack, Jacquees), Nia C and Zee Dolla, the track is built on an angelic sample, providing a beautiful backdrop for Waller’s vulnerability while closing with a powerful message of perseverance. His lyricism consistently reflects his lived experience, spanning his journey through recovery, the highs and lows of his NFL career and his ongoing evolution. The record trades typical athlete bravado for a more transparent look at personal growth as Waller balances the physical demands of the NFL with a music career grounded in authenticity and advocacy.
After the NFL season, Waller sat down for an in-depth conversation on The Dan Le Batard Show, where he spoke openly about his early identity struggles and how he utilizes therapy and songwriting to navigate public life. The release of “In The Valley” marks Waller’s first musical release since he came out of retirement to return to the field and play for the Miami Dolphins last season. Outside of the studio and the stadium, Waller remains deeply committed to the Darren Waller Foundation which provides recovery resources to his Las Vegas community.
Follow Darren Waller:
Instagram: @rackkwall
TikTok: @rackkwall
X/Twitter: @Rackkwall83
Artist Biography:
Darren Waller is a former NFL Pro Bowl tight end turned musician and mental health advocate, using his platform to inspire through vulnerability, transformation and purpose.
Originally from Landover, Maryland, and raised in Atlanta, Darren is the great-grandson of jazz legend Fats Waller and began exploring music in 2015—the same year he was drafted into the NFL. Early career suspensions and the threat of losing football entirely became a wake-up call that pushed him toward sobriety. That commitment led to a second chance with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he rebuilt his life and career, emerging as one of the league’s top tight ends earning Pro Bowl honors.
After balancing football and exploring his creative side for years, Darren made his musical debut with Delusions of Clarity (2021) and Walking Miracle (2023). In 2024, following a serious medical scare, he retired from the NFL to prioritize his health and purpose and poured himself into his craft. During this chapter, he released two EPs, On Notice: Bag Talk and Internal Warfare: This Too Shall Pass, along with the singles “Majoring in Minor” featuring Westside Boogie and the SportsCenter-inspired anthem “Top Play.” This period of artistic focus and personal reflection ultimately led him back to the game with a renewed perspective, coming out of retirement in 2025 to return to the field for the Miami Dolphins.
Influenced by artists such as Jay-Z and Coldplay, Darren’s music explores themes of vulnerability and introspection, fueling motivation and guiding listeners toward meaningful growth. Today, he continues to create music that heals and elevates, while supporting those battling addiction through the Darren Waller Foundation.