Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Darren Waller is an American professional football tight end for the Carolina Panthers in the NFL. Known for his impressive receiving abilities, determination, and remarkable personal journey, Waller has established himself as one of the recognizable tight ends of his generation.
Beyond his football achievements, many fans want to know more about Darren Waller’s family, wife, girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings.
Born on September 13, 1992, in Landover, Maryland, Waller grew up in a supportive household. His parents are Dorian Waller and Charlena Waller, and he has an older sister named Deanna Waller.
He also comes from a family with an impressive musical legacy. His great-grandfather was Fats Waller, the legendary jazz pianist, composer, and entertainer.
In his romantic life, Darren was previously married to professional basketball player Kelsey Plum. The couple married in March 2023 but separated and filed for divorce in April 2024.
Who Is Darren Waller’s Girlfriend?
As of now, Darren Waller has not publicly confirmed having a new girlfriend following his separation from Kelsey Plum.
The Carolina Panthers tight end has generally kept his romantic relationships private since the end of his marriage.
Although his previous relationship with Plum attracted substantial media attention, reliable sports publications have not identified a confirmed current romantic partner.
Waller has spoken publicly about learning from past relationships, personal growth, and developing a healthier approach to his emotional well-being.
However, he has not made a verified public announcement identifying a new girlfriend.
Who Is Darren Waller’s Ex-Wife?
Darren Waller’s ex-wife is Kelsey Plum, an American professional basketball player and WNBA star.
Plum was born on August 24, 1994, in Poway, California.
She attended the University of Washington, where she became one of the most accomplished scorers in women’s college basketball history.
The San Antonio Stars selected her with the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft.
She subsequently became a leading player for the Las Vegas Aces, winning WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023.
Plum also won an Olympic gold medal representing the United States in women’s 3×3 basketball at the Tokyo Olympics.
How Did Darren Waller Meet Kelsey Plum?
Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum began their relationship while both were professional athletes based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
At the time, Waller played tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders, while Plum represented the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA.
The two reportedly began dating in 2022, although some accounts place the beginning of their relationship earlier.
They initially maintained a relatively private relationship before appearing together at public sporting events.
Their relationship attracted attention because both were accomplished professional athletes competing in different sports.
When Did Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum Get Married?
Darren Waller married Kelsey Plum on March 4, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The couple held a relatively private wedding ceremony attended by family members and friends.
Shortly after their marriage, the Las Vegas Raiders traded Waller to the New York Giants.
The trade meant the couple would have to navigate professional careers in different cities.
While Waller played football in New York, Plum continued her basketball career in Las Vegas.
They occasionally appeared together at sporting events, including the 2023 WNBA Finals, when Plum’s Las Vegas Aces won another championship.
Why Did Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum Divorce?
Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum filed for divorce on April 23, 2024, approximately 13 months after getting married.
According to ESPN, ABC News, and People, the couple submitted a joint divorce petition in Clark County, Nevada.
Plum publicly expressed sadness about the separation and thanked her family, friends, and faith community for their support.
Although the breakup attracted considerable media attention, the couple did not publicly establish one specific event as the definitive reason for their divorce.
In a July 2024 interview with The Breakfast Club, Waller reflected on the difficulties of maintaining healthy relationships.
He discussed the importance of personal identity, emotional awareness, and recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns.
He also acknowledged that he needed to continue developing as an individual rather than relying on romantic relationships for his sense of self-worth.
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Waller has remarried.
Does Darren Waller Have Children?
As of now, Darren Waller has no publicly confirmed children.
The NFL tight end has not publicly announced becoming a father, and reliable biographical reporting has not identified any sons or daughters.
Waller and his former wife, Kelsey Plum, did not have any publicly reported children together during their marriage.
Although Waller is actively involved in helping young people through his charitable foundation, that work should not be confused with having children of his own.
His current private family circumstances remain largely undisclosed.
Who Are Darren Waller’s Parents?
Darren Waller’s parents are Dorian Waller and Charlena Waller.
Their names are confirmed in his official Georgia Tech football biography.
Waller was born in Landover, Maryland, and spent portions of his childhood in Colorado Springs, Colorado, before his family settled in the Atlanta metropolitan area of Georgia.
Both parents encouraged his athletic development and supported him through significant personal and professional challenges.
They also helped him develop an appreciation for music, which became another important part of his identity.
Darren Waller’s Father: Dorian Waller
Dorian Waller is Darren Waller’s father and an important figure in his upbringing.
Dorian encouraged his son’s interest in football from an early age.
According to FOX Sports, he was a New York Giants fan during Darren’s childhood, while Charlena supported Washington’s NFL team.
The family regularly watched professional and college football together.
These experiences helped Darren develop an enthusiasm for the sport before he began pursuing it seriously.
Dorian also helped introduce his children to their family’s musical heritage.
His grandfather was the legendary jazz musician Fats Waller, making Darren the musician’s great-grandson.
In interviews, Dorian has discussed how Darren and his sister Deanna displayed remarkable musical abilities during childhood.
Both children showed talent for playing the piano, continuing a tradition associated with their famous ancestor.
Dorian Waller Supported Darren Through Difficult Times
Dorian played a particularly important role when Darren experienced serious personal difficulties during the early years of his NFL career.
Waller has publicly discussed his past struggles with substance use and his eventual decision to enter treatment in 2017.
His parents provided encouragement as he worked to rebuild his life and return to professional football.
Following treatment, Darren temporarily lived with his parents and worked at a grocery store while maintaining his recovery.
In a 2019 interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Dorian expressed pride in the progress his son had made.
He emphasized that Darren appeared happier, healthier, and more confident.
Dorian’s encouragement helped Waller continue pursuing football while establishing a more stable personal life.
Darren Waller’s Mother: Charlena Waller
Charlena Waller is Darren Waller’s mother and one of his strongest supporters.
She helped raise Darren and his older sister Deanna while emphasizing education, responsibility, and personal development.
According to FOX Sports, Charlena noticed her son’s strong learning abilities when he was very young.
She recalled that he began reading at approximately two years old and demonstrated an exceptional memory.
When Darren started playing organized football at around five years old, those abilities helped him learn plays and understand the game.
Charlena encouraged his interests while remaining attentive to his emotional well-being.
She also recognized his musical talents, particularly his ability to play the piano.
How Charlena Waller Helped Her Son Recover
Charlena played an important role during one of the most challenging periods in Darren Waller’s life.
As Darren struggled with substance use during his teenage years and early professional career, his parents became increasingly concerned about his safety.
In 2017, he entered a rehabilitation program and began working toward long-term recovery.
Following treatment, Charlena welcomed him home and continued providing emotional support.
She later described noticing a significant improvement in his outlook and behavior.
In 2019, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Charlena was deeply proud of her son’s progress.
Waller has frequently credited his mother and father for standing beside him even when his future in professional football was uncertain.
Their continued encouragement became an important part of his personal transformation.
Does Darren Waller Have Siblings?
Yes. Darren Waller has one older sister named Deanna Waller.
Her name is confirmed in Darren’s official Georgia Tech Athletics biography.
The two siblings grew up together in a household that encouraged sports, education, and music.
Like Darren, Deanna inherited an appreciation for the family’s musical history.
Darren Waller’s Sister: Deanna Waller
Deanna Waller is Darren Waller’s older sister.
She grew up alongside Darren in Colorado and Georgia before he became a professional football player.
According to reporting about the Waller family’s musical heritage, Deanna and Darren were both talented piano players during childhood.
Their father recalled that the siblings demonstrated impressive musical abilities at an early age.
Deanna has remained an important member of Darren’s family support system.
In interviews, Darren has acknowledged that his parents and sister supported him through both successful and difficult periods of his life.
However, Deanna has generally maintained a private life, and reliable public information about her professional career and personal relationships is limited.
Does Darren Waller Have a Brother?
No. Darren Waller has no publicly documented brother.
His official Georgia Tech biography identifies Deanna as his only sibling.
Available family reporting consistently identifies Darren and Deanna as the two children of Dorian and Charlena Waller.
Darren Waller’s Great-Grandfather: Fats Waller
One of the most interesting aspects of Darren Waller’s family history is his relationship to the legendary musician Fats Waller.
Born Thomas Wright Waller on May 21, 1904, Fats Waller was an influential American jazz pianist, organist, singer, and composer.
He became widely known for compositions such as Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Honeysuckle Rose.
Fats Waller died on December 15, 1943, but his influence on American jazz continued long after his death.
Darren is his great-grandson through his father’s family.
As a child, Darren knew that his family had a connection to a famous musician, but he did not fully appreciate that history until he attended college.
While studying at Georgia Tech, he took a jazz history class that helped him understand his great-grandfather’s influence.
His interest in music subsequently grew, and he began writing lyrics, producing songs, and exploring music as a creative outlet.
Darren Waller’s Family and His Recovery Journey
Darren Waller has spoken openly about how family support helped him overcome difficult circumstances.
During his early NFL career, he struggled with substance use and faced suspensions that threatened his professional future.
In 2017, he decided to seek treatment and began focusing on rebuilding his life.
His parents and sister supported him throughout the process.
After completing rehabilitation, he temporarily worked outside football before returning to the NFL.
His comeback eventually led to an outstanding career with the Oakland and Las Vegas Raiders.
In 2019, he recorded 90 receptions for 1,145 yards, establishing himself as one of the league’s leading tight ends.
His success continued in 2020, when he recorded 107 receptions for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl recognition.
In 2020, Waller established the Darren Waller Foundation to support young people and families affected by substance use challenges.
The foundation provides educational resources, prevention initiatives, and assistance for people seeking recovery.
Waller’s experiences and his family’s continued encouragement have helped shape his commitment to supporting others.
How Darren Waller’s Family Influenced His NFL Career
Darren Waller’s family encouraged his athletic ambitions throughout childhood.
He attended North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he competed in football and basketball.
He eventually received a scholarship to Georgia Tech, playing wide receiver for the Yellow Jackets.
The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft with the 204th overall pick.
After several challenging early seasons, Waller joined the Raiders organization and developed into a successful NFL tight end.
He later played for the New York Giants before announcing his retirement in 2024.
However, he returned to professional football in 2025, joining the Miami Dolphins.
During the 2025 season, he recorded 24 receptions for 283 yards and six touchdowns across nine games.
On August 17, 2026, the Carolina Panthers officially announced his signing, adding veteran experience to their tight end group.
Throughout these professional changes, Waller has continued emphasizing the importance of personal growth, gratitude, and the support he received from his family.
Darren Waller Family Facts
| Family Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Darren Charles Waller |
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Landover, Maryland, United States |
| Father | Dorian Waller |
| Mother | Charlena Waller |
| Sister | Deanna Waller |
| Brothers | None publicly documented |
| Total Siblings | One older sister |
| Ex-Wife | Kelsey Plum |
| Wedding Date | March 4, 2023 |
| Divorce Filing | April 23, 2024 |
| Current Girlfriend | No publicly confirmed girlfriend |
| Current Marital Status | Previously married; no new marriage publicly confirmed |
| Children | No publicly confirmed children |
| Great-Grandfather | Fats Waller |
| Profession | Professional Football Player |
| Position | Tight End |
| Current NFL Team | Carolina Panthers |
| Jersey Number | 88 |
| College | Georgia Tech |
| NFL Draft | 2015, Sixth Round, 204th Overall |
Frequently Asked Questions About Darren Waller’s Family
Who is Darren Waller’s girlfriend?
As of now, Darren Waller has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend following his separation from Kelsey Plum.
Who is Darren Waller’s wife?
Darren Waller was previously married to WNBA star Kelsey Plum. They married on March 4, 2023, and filed for divorce on April 23, 2024. No subsequent marriage has been publicly confirmed.
Why did Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum divorce?
The couple filed for divorce after approximately 13 months of marriage. Waller subsequently discussed personal growth and relationship challenges, but no single definitive reason for the separation has been publicly established.
Does Darren Waller have children?
As of now, Darren Waller has no publicly confirmed children.
Did Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum have kids?
No children were publicly reported during Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum’s marriage.
Who is Darren Waller’s father?
Darren Waller’s father is Dorian Waller, who supported his son’s football ambitions and helped introduce him to the family’s musical heritage.
Who is Darren Waller’s mother?
Darren Waller’s mother is Charlena Waller. She played an important role in his upbringing and supported him during his recovery and NFL comeback.
Does Darren Waller have a sister?
Yes. Darren Waller has an older sister named Deanna Waller, who shares the family’s interest in music.
Does Darren Waller have a brother?
No brother is publicly documented. His official Georgia Tech biography identifies Deanna as his only sibling.
How many siblings does Darren Waller have?
Darren Waller has one older sister, Deanna Waller.
Is Darren Waller related to Fats Waller?
Yes. Darren Waller is the great-grandson of legendary jazz pianist, singer, and composer Fats Waller.
Where is Darren Waller’s family from?
Darren Waller was born in Landover, Maryland. His family later lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Atlanta metropolitan area in Georgia.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
