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Music has always been a big part of former NFL star Darren Waller鈥檚 life - He was in the school band and played piano.

Then, there鈥檚 the family connection to Thomas 鈥淔ats鈥� Waller, a jazz pianist, who became the first Black man to write the score for a Broadway musical, who just happens to be Waller Jr's great-grandfather.

In recent years, music has provided a positive and creative outlet for Darren as he recovered from substance addiction.

Since discovering the connection while studying at Georgia Tech University, the former Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giant tight end told Sportshour's Katie Smith how 'Fats' and his love of music has shaped his life in and off the football field.

Photo: Fats Waller, jazz pianist, at the organ. (Credit: Bettmann)