Darren Waller Returns to NFL With the Dolphins – Brings Addiction Recovery Mission With Him

Eight years into sobriety, Darren Waller returns to the NFL not to reclaim the spotlight, but to deepen his purpose – sharing a journey of resilience, service and healing, with a mission to make recovery more visible, more human and truly accessible to all.

MIAMI, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / July 3, 2025 / Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller is returning to the NFL, signing with the Miami Dolphins in what fans are calling one of the most exciting comebacks in recent years. But for Waller, this return isn’t just about football – it’s about purpose, recovery, and service to something greater than himself.

“I’ve been in my growth journey since rehab,” says Waller, who nearly lost his life to a fentanyl overdose eight years ago. “Recovery isn’t just about abstaining. It’s about rediscovering who you really are. Right now, my mission is to serve the Miami Dolphins and the surrounding community. I’m here to play, to lead, and to give. The goal is to spread hope and healing. And we all deserve a shot at that.”

Waller’s return is part of a larger movement – one that includes a nationwide mental health partnership with Anywhere Clinic, a telepsychiatry and mental wellness organization working to tackle the opioid epidemic.

“We’re not just treating addiction. We’re helping people remember who they really are,” says Dr. Sam Zand, psychiatrist and founder of Anywhere Clinic. “In a world that overwhelms the nervous system, numbs the spirit, and rewards disconnection, recovery isn’t just about sobriety; it’s about coming home to yourself.”

With over 100 compassionate clinicians, AI-guided support tools, group therapy, coaching, and psychiatric care covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, Anywhere Clinic meets people where they are. For those without coverage, low-cost self-pay options and scholarship-based services ensure no one is left behind.

“Whether you’re struggling with opioids, anxiety, digital burnout or simply feeling lost, we believe everyone deserves access to healing. And we walk that path together.”

Together, Waller and Dr. Zand have quietly been hosting free recovery support groups for nearly two years, helping people navigate addiction, trauma, identity, and emotional healing. Now, they’re expanding their work with a bold mission: making mental health care radically accessible, especially for those struggling with opioid addiction and other compulsive behaviors like gambling, tech addiction, emotional eating, pornography, and overspending.

Darren has been working with Anywhere Clinic for over five years, receiving consistent virtual care through every chapter of his recovery. That continuity helped him realize addiction isn’t just about substances – it’s often rooted in unprocessed trauma, buried emotions, and a loss of self-worth. Through a blend of holistic care and evidence-based psychiatry, Anywhere Clinic is reshaping what recovery looks like: grounded, connected, and built for lasting transformation.

Waller’s new team is fully behind the mission. Head Coach Mike McDaniel, who has publicly shared his own recovery journey, understands the power of turning pain into purpose and recognizes the leadership Darren brings on and off the field.

From the field to the studio to the recovery circle, Waller’s impact is growing. His music reflects his story. His journey reflects his strength. And his presence reminds us all that no matter how far gone we feel, healing is possible.

“The world is hurting, but we’re not alone. The comeback isn’t just about the game. This is bigger than ball,” Waller says. “It’s a call to those still in the dark. We can be that light. I’m not just here to play. I’m here to remind people that healing is possible, purpose is real, and inner peace requires both patience and persistence.”

For Support or More Information:

If you or your community is in need of addiction recovery or mental health support, visit www.anywhereclinic.com/recovery.

Anywhere Clinic is a national holistic mental health program leveraging virtual psychiatric care to create lasting transformation.

Media Inquiries:

press@anywhereclinic.com
(805) 590-8099
@drsamzand @rackkwall @anywhere.clinic

SOURCE: Anywhere Clinic

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire