Cornerback Darius Slay announced his retirement from professional football today. Over the course of more than a decade in the league, Slay built a career as a shutdown corner, a vocal leader, and a player whose personality matched his elite on-field production. He played for the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers during his 13-year career. Slay made six Pro Bowl appearances, one All-Pro, and one Super Bowl victory.
Slay's professional career began when the Lions selected him 36th overall in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He would play in Detroit from 2013 to 2019. His breakout came in 2017, when he led the NFL in interceptions and earned first-team All-Pro honors. In this time frame, he earned the nickname Big Play Slay. By the end of his tenure with the Lions, Slay had firmly established himself as an elite, shutdown corner and attracted the attention of the Eagles.
Entering the 2020 season, Slay's career changed for the better. He was traded to the Eagles for several mid-round draft picks. Slay quickly adapted to the Philadelphia culture and became a leader on the field and a respected voice in the locker room. He and fellow corner James Bradberry helped transform the Eagles' secondary from mediocre to elite, and within two years, Philly was in the Super Bowl.
Although they lost this Super Bowl, the Eagles came back in a short time. Slay's greatest legacy may be teaching Cooper Dejean and Quinyon Mitchell. Both were taken in the 2024 draft and became undrafted high-impact rookies.
Slay played a big role in his development and led the Eagles to a defense that was top 5 in the league. The revamped secondary led Philly to a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The impact of his tutelage is still felt today, with Mitchell and Dejean widely regarded as elite defensive players, providing a ton of surplus value on their rookie contracts.
Unfortunately, due to cap reasons, Slay would be released from Philly and sent to Pittsburgh for his last season in the league. He started 9 games for the Steelers this season, and contributed in the playoffs as part of an experienced defense.
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