Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it, and for NFL star Darren Waller and WNBA champion Kelsey Plum, life’s twists and turns have taken them on an exhilarating journey of love, marriage, and thriving careers.
The pair tied the knot on March 4 in Las Vegas, surrounded by love and anticipation. Little did they know that their lives were about to take an unexpected turn just days after their wedding bliss.
After enjoying a romantic honeymoon at Amanyara in Turks & Caicos, Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum returned home to Las Vegas on March 13, still riding high on their newlywed happiness. However, destiny had other plans for them.
Merely 12 hours later, Waller received a life-changing call that would take him to the East Coast, where the New York Giants had acquired him in a trade with the Raiders. The joy of marriage collided with the demands of a new professional endeavor.
“I got that call like 12 hours after we landed back,” Waller recounted, reflecting on the whirlwind of events. “So, it’s not how anybody would really want to start being married. But if you ever find yourself trying to resist change, it’s never going to be a good thing.”
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Waller and Plum embraced their unique situation with resilience and a commitment to making it work. Waller embarked on his journey with the Giants, while Plum pursued her second consecutive WNBA championship with the top-seeded Las Vegas Aces.
“We are trying to find [out] like, OK, how can we grow from this?” Waller explained, emphasizing their determination to focus on the positives of their situation. “This is happening for a reason, so why don’t we focus on the good that’s going to come from it as opposed to what may be considered as negative?”
For the couple, communication became the cornerstone of their relationship as they navigated their busy schedules in different time zones. The distance compelled them to enhance their communication skills and be mindful of each other’s daily routines amidst their hectic lives.
“[The distance] has forced us to grow in areas [such as] communication and just being mindful of each other’s days and routines and how each of us is doing amidst all the business — and I feel like we’ve done really well in handling that,” Waller shared.
Their connection remained strong through FaceTime calls, providing them with precious moments of togetherness, even when miles apart. Waller made the most of every opportunity to be with Plum during the offseason, frequently traveling to her location.
He also ensured he didn’t miss the chance to support his wife by attending her games, especially when the Aces played against the New York Liberty in Brooklyn.
As Waller embraced his new role with the Giants, he found himself in the company of quarterback Daniel Jones, who welcomed him with open arms. Their mutual dedication to their craft and the consistency with which they approached their work fostered a strong bond.
“We’re just two guys willing to put the work in, two guys that aren’t too proud to listen to one another and do whatever needs to be changed, fixed, or altered, we’re willing to do that,” Waller explained. “I feel like it’s been a great relationship, and he’s been just a welcoming guy, a good friend.”
Waller, who has had his share of challenges, including past addiction issues, vowed to stay true to himself and remain positive through any trials that came his way. He emphasized his commitment to causes he cares about, whether it’s building confidence through a smile with Invisalign or supporting his foundation.
“I do a lot of things because, you know, I don’t know how much longer I’m guaranteed to be on this earth,” Waller reflected. “So I want to be about things that I care about, and whatever it is I’m doing, I’m going to give my all.”
As Darren Waller and Kelsey Plum continue to thrive in their respective careers and cherish their love for each other, their journey remains an inspiring testament to resilience, dedication, and the enduring power of love.
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