Cullen admits there are “100 things” he would rather do than play darts

JOE CULLEN has admitted he would do another job if it paid as well as his career in darts.

The world No31 revealed there are "100 things" he would rather do than compete, despite spending almost two decades on the PDC circuit.

Cullen, 37, insists he knows how lucky he is to make a living from the sport but says throwing arrows has never been his favourite thing.

He told the Tops and Tales podcast: “I think it's because I've just been doing it for that long. Like you said there, it feels like I've been about for donkey's years because I started so young.

“I just think if I could maybe find another job that paid as well, I would definitely do it.

“I'm not stupid enough to think that I'm not lucky to be where I am and do what I do.

“I can name 100 things I'd much rather do than play darts, but it's darts that pays the bills, I suppose.”

Cullen outlined the conversations he has had with his wife about his future but knows there is far more to consider than simply stopping playing.

He added: “I spoke about it with my wife quite a few times over the years. Obviously, it's been almost two decades, and she's like, ‘Well, just stop playing then.’

“I'm like, ‘Well, it's not as simple as that, is it?’ You know, like what if in a couple of years I want to come back? It's going to be so hard.

“Then obviously you've got sponsors and things like that and commitments.

“And like I say, I think obviously the pay is pretty good if you can get good at it.

“So, I think I'd be stupid just to give it up on a whim like that.”

Despite his frustrations, Cullen is determined not to let his time at the top fade away and believes he still has the game to compete with the best.

The Rockstar has not reached a major quarter-final since the 2024 World Grand Prix, but there have been signs of a revival this season.

Cullen made the Players Championship Eight final and is now chasing a return to the form that saw him win the World Masters and contest the Premier League final in 2022.

He continued: “I don't want to be one of them who just sort of fizzles out and no one ever hears from again.

“So, there's only me that can correct that and put that right.

“It's strange when I hear the way certain people, pundits, talk about certain players and how good they are.

“I think all they do is qualify for the Worlds and the UK Open area. They're never in the [World] Matchplay.

“So, I think I've had probably the last four years that have been s*** and I'm still in all the TV events.

“I'm thinking I must do something right.

“Imagine putting a bit of effort in and, you know, rather than just turn up to the TV events, I can do some damage and, you know, maybe win one again.”

Words: Phil Lanning

Image: Taylor Lanning