Darren Waller may have had a short-lived NFL career that lasted only 9 seasons. But he sure doesn’t look like one who will have a disappointing musical journey. Having earned inspiration from his great-grandfather, Fats Waller, a jazz pianist, Waller started exploring music the same year he got drafted in the NFL. Now that his NFL career has taken a seat, Waller, who used to sing hip-hop in his spare time, is now producing bangers. His latest diss track is a direct jibe at ESPN’s SportsCenter that surprisingly even caught Pat McAfee’s attention.

McAfee, whose The Pat McAfee Show is licensed to the ESPN Network, had a controversial reaction to Waller’s diss track. Waller’s latest track, Top Play, is inspired by his All-Pro career. It’s fueled with electrifying production and commanding lyrics that show his growth as a rapper. But behind the lyrics, Waller’s Top Play is a diss track primarily aimed at ESPN. “Top play, gotta put this s— on SportsCenter,” Waller rapped while releasing the behind-the-scenes of his Top Play music video.

It may have earned over 4.7K likes, but the one that caught our attention was McAfee’s reaction. Considering his professional association with ESPN, he also liked Waller’s diss track. Now, the reason behind his liking Waller’s music video is difficult to predict. But there’s one thing we can safely assume. No matter what McAfee’s reason was, there’s no doubt he definitely got awestruck with Waller’s rap like we have. His Top Play music only shows how far Waller has grown since his first foray into music.

A former NFL Pro Bowl tight end turned rapper, Waller’s music has also been featured in the Madden NFL 24 soundtrack. Just after announcing his retirement, Waller released three EPs. Mind Games: It’s All In Your Head, On Notice: Bag Talk, and Internal Warfare: This Too Shall Pass. His primary aim with music is to inspire and motivate his listeners, considering Waller is a mental health advocate. Beyond just spreading inspiration, Waller’s music also touches his NFL journey, like Top Play also his personal life.

Just last year, Waller dropped a music video referencing his divorce with WNBA star Kelsey Plum.

Darren Waller drops a bizarre music video about his divorce

People have their own way of dealing with separation. Some grieve in silence, while some try to make amends. But Waller chose neither. Instead, he dropped a music video naming the song, “Who Knew (Her Perspective).” It was a video where Waller tried to re-create some scenes imagining his ex-wife. Sometimes, it showed Waller arguing with Plum at a picnic table. Moments later, she was driving away as Waller tried to stop her by pleading. It also captured some happier memories, like the two of them bowling.

However, the video’s end was somewhat disheartening to see. Their Waller was hugging a false Plum on the beach while she stabbed him on the back. As the former Raiders TE appeared motionless, facing down on the sand, with water splashing on his face. The End!! Well, the week following this music video’s release, Waller tried to explain the thought that went behind it.

On Instagram, he wrote, “I felt a strong conviction to do something different. I’d never written a song from the perspective of someone else until this. There’s something extremely valuable about putting yourself in the shoes of those you have been intimate with and taking an honest look at yourself. The only result possible is growth.” There’s no doubt that Waller has experienced immense growth in his musical journey since that divorce-centric music video.

Seeing him put the rap world on notice with his Top Play Waller’s ceiling as a footballer may have been 9 seasons, but his musical journey is surely going to be evergreen.