Derek Walls

Choosing wide receiver

Derek was Trever and Sarah’s only child. He chose wide receiver because he liked the position and wanted to break the family mold.

Trever was the only family member who immediately welcomed the decision. The others were initially unhappy with it because the expectation was, “If you’re a Wall, you play QB.” They did not generally hate his choice. Jaxson was the exception: he truly hated it and said Derek was “destroying the family name.”

Washington and the NFL

Derek chose Washington because he felt the strongest connection with its coaching staff. Drafted in 2019, he played for the Los Angeles Rams from 2019 through 2021, the Minnesota Vikings from 2022 through 2024 and the Seattle Seahawks from 2025 through 2037.

Jaxson and Derek — 2019–2021

Jaxson joined the Rams through a trade from Arizona in 2019, the year Derek entered the NFL with Los Angeles. Jaxson already resented Derek’s decision to play wide receiver rather than quarterback, believing it disgraced the Walls family.

Their first season together was unbearable. Jaxson’s resentment affected the offense: he was willing to avoid throwing to Derek. Camden Ryder disciplined Jaxson, threatened his playing time and insisted that Derek receive the football when the offense called for it. Jaxson could complain all he wanted, but he was throwing Derek the ball.

Their second and third seasons were passable largely because Ryder forced them to cooperate. They never became friends. Derek eventually grew tired of the hostility, fought Jaxson and beat him, then demanded to leave Los Angeles after the 2021 season. The confrontation increased Jaxson’s hatred rather than earning his respect. Their mutual resentment continued after they stopped being teammates.

Marriage and retirement

Derek married Evelyn Walls. They had no children. He retired after 2037 satisfied with his career and ready to move on.

Evelyn Walls

Evelyn was outgoing, playful and sarcastic, as well as confident, direct and independent. She and Derek met at college.

Coaching receivers

After playing, Derek became the wide receivers coach for the Washington Huskies, returning to the college program he had chosen for its coaches.

Family and relationships

Mother: Sarah Wall. Sarah was confident, direct and independent, with an outgoing, playful and sarcastic side and a warm, patient, grounded manner. She and Trever met at college.

Additional biographical details

End status: Alive.