Darren Waller & JRod Embrace Self-Worth on "Choose Myself"
Darren Waller & JRod
Embrace Self-Worth on Soulful New Track
“Choose Myself”
Collaborative EP Cadillac Problems Coming This Summer
Former NFL Pro Bowler turned recording artist Darren Waller teams up with rising producer and vocalist JRod for their latest single, “Choose Myself,” a smooth and introspective anthem that blends R&B and hip-hop with a message rooted in self-worth, healing and personal growth. “Choose Myself” is available on streaming platforms HERE.
“‘Choose Myself’ is a record that came from a conversation we were having in my backyard about self-care and how people can have skewed ideas of what it really means,” explains Waller. “In my verses, I challenge people to view self care as a vehicle to deeper healing and growth rather than an opportunity to escape through the socially accepted vices we run to. We owe it to ourselves, and I think this record will plant seeds of awakening for those struggling to stand up for themselves.”
JRod adds, “‘Choose Myself’ is easily one of my favorite songs on the upcoming project. The tone behind the song is freeing, vulnerable & speaks to the soul. This song perfectly sums up the struggles of intentionally choosing yourself in a world that constantly takes. I made the beat & wrote the hook with all this in mind. I wanted something refreshing/chill to vibe to with a powerful message.”
The track marks another step in Waller’s post-football creative journey, showcasing his evolution as an artist unafraid to explore emotion, vulnerability and purpose in his music. Set against JRod’s soulful production and melodic hook, “Choose Myself” reflects on the importance of prioritizing mental and emotional wellness—especially in a world filled with distractions and demands.
“Choose Myself” will appear on Waller and JRod’s upcoming collaborative EP, Cadillac Problems,set to drop this spring. The project brings together the two artists’ unique perspectives, Waller’s shaped by his experience in the spotlight of the NFL and his journey through addiction and recovery and JRod’s honed by years of musical experimentation and emotional storytelling.
About Darren Waller:
Darren Waller is a former NFL Pro Bowl tight end turned musician and mental health advocate, using his platform to inspire through vulnerability, resilience and purpose.
Originally from Landover, Maryland and raised in Atlanta, Darren is the great-grandson of jazz legend Fats Waller and began exploring music in 2015—the same year he was drafted into the NFL. After years of balancing football and creativity, he made his debut with Delusions of Clarity in 2021 and fully committed to music following his NFL retirement in 2024.
Last year, he released three EPs—Mind Games: It’s All In Your Head, On Notice: Bag Talk, and Internal Warfare: This Too Shall Pass along with a single featuring Westside Boogie (“Majoring In Minor”). This year, he dropped his ESPN SportsCenter inspired anthem “Top Play” and this summer, he’s set to release a collaborative EP with producer and artist JRod titled Cadillac Problems.
Influenced by artists like Jay-Z and Coldplay, Darren’s music blends hip-hop and introspection, channeling themes of addiction, recovery, and personal growth. Now based in Las Vegas, he continues to create music that motivates, heals, and elevates others—while supporting those battling addiction through the Darren Waller Foundation.
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Photo Credit: ARod2Up
