By now most of you are at least somewhat familiar with Darren Waller’s story. His struggles with addiction were laid bare for the world to see when HBO’s Hard Knocks were in Raiders training camp last year.
Waller instantly became a hero for many and an inspiration to many others. Then he went out and had a breakout season, leading the Raiders with 90 catches for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns. In his first-ever season as a starting NFL tight end, he would have made the Pro Bowl as an alternate had he not had offseason thumb surgery.
His success made him a candidate for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, but he lost out to Titans qiarterback Ryan Tannehill. It also made him a strong nominee for the Pro Football Writers of America‘s George Hallas Award for overcoming adversity.
There are five nominees for the award. The others are Ravens’ tight end coach Bobby Engram, retired Cowboys center Travis Frederick, Vikings edge rusher Everson Griffen, and Chargers tackle Russell Okung.
