Darren Waller snags Raiders “Anything But Ordinary” Player of the Year nominee

This season, the NFL in partnership with Microsoft Surface, have created the first ever “Anything But Ordinary” Player of the Year Award. This is fan voted award, with a chance to win two tickets to this year’s Super Bowl. You can vote for the Raiders’ nominee Darren Waller here.

No Purchase Necessary. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. + DC 18+. Game ends at 12:00pm PT on 1/20/20. See www.AnythingButOrdinaryAward.com for Official Rules.

Here’s a little more information on this new fan voted award:

“NFL players are as dedicated to blazing unique paths for themselves off the field as they are to elite performance on the field,” said Gina Scott, NFLPA Vice President, Partner Services. “Whether it’s business or technology or in the community, they have continually shown that they are ‘more than just football players.’ This award presented by Microsoft underscores that and will inspire more players to get involved in other pursuits.”

Darren Waller, outside of his inspirational story regarding his substance recovery which should’ve been more than enough to get this nomination, also has a famous grandfather, jazz musician Fats Waller. It’s that connection that’s getting Waller the nomination for this unique award.

From the award website:

Darren’s an incredibly hard worker who happens to come from greatness-he’s the great-grandson of jazz legend Fats Waller. Exercising his talents on the field and in the studio. Darren’s continuing his great-grandfather’s legacy by becoming a recording artist himself. With not on but two albums in his catalog. Darren’s cementing the Waller family name in an anything but ordinary way.

So I didn’t know this, but apparently Waller released his second album last year on Sept. 13, his 27th birthday. He titled it “Wall Street,” and you can stream or purchase it here. I couldn’t find a link for the first album, sadly, but if you find a link post it in the comment section!

While his great-grandfather was instrumental in laying the groundwork for modern jazz piano, if you don’t like rap, I don’t suggest you listening to his album. Nonetheless, make sure you vote for the one of the offensive linchpins of the Raiders’ offense for this newly created award.