Walden appears to be the latest rugby player to think about his future following a series of head knocks.
The robust midfielder announced the end of his playing days on social media.
"My decision to hang up the boots has not come easily, but it is one that I know is right for me and my whanau," Walden said.
"Concussions have definitely been a recurring theme throughout my career and is definitely not something to take lightly."
Walden, 30, said it was "bittersweet" to say goodbye to a sport that had been such a big part of his life.
"There is a sense of sadness as I bid farewell to a sport that has been my passion for so many years.
"Then there is a huge sense of gratitude for the incredible journey that rugby has taken me on.
"It has been so much more than a game to me. I have been fortunate enough to represent some epic provinces, my whanau and my country, and each time I wore those jerseys, it was an honour and a privilege.
"The memories I have made on and off the field will stay with me forever — the victories, the defeats, the brutal battles and the moments of joy."
Walden came south from Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth.
He and brother, Josh, a halfback who went on to play 13 games for Otago, both represented the Southern club in the Dunedin premier competition, while sister Miaana played netball for Otago.
Teihorangi Walden just missed the excitement of Otago winning the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 56 years, but he made his NPC debut off the bench against Tasman in Nelson in 2013.
He was a reliable midfield operator in 46 games for Otago, and was particularly strong in his final season, 2018, as he finished with 46 caps and nine tries for the province.
Walden was in the Highlanders squad in the 2015 championship-winning season but did not get on the field.
He made his Super Rugby debut at second five against the Blues at Eden Park in 2016, and finished in 2020 with 39 appearances and 10 tries for the Highlanders.
He then played 49 games for Taranaki and three games for the Hurricanes, and also had six caps for the Maori All Blacks.
Walden also had a stint last year with the New York Ironworkers in Major League Rugby, where he ran out alongside fellow former Otago player Fa’asui Fuatai and former Highlander Jason Emery.
He will retain an involvement with rugby, as he is assistant coach for Spotswood United in the Taranaki club competition and he is also helping the first XV at his old school.
