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Darius Slay, a six-time Pro Bowl cornerback, announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday after 13 seasons.
Slay made the announcement on his Instagram page, where he shared some career highlights as well as a message for the game of football.
“Dear football, I want to thank you for everything you have done for me,” read his Instagram caption. ‘I have been blessed to play the game I loved since I was 5 years old for an amazing 13 years at the highest level. Football was my peace, my joy, my everything. This game put me in a position to help take care of my family and loved ones, and I am forever grateful.”
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Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (2) reacts after breaking up a pass play against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports)
Slay, a second-round pick out of Mississippi State by the Detroit Lions, had 28 career interceptions, including a team-leading eight in 2017, and 163 passes defensed, which also led the league that year.
He became one of the best players at his position in the league during his seven years with the Lions before moving to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 when he was traded to the East Coast.
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It was there that Slay continued to make Pro Bowls, but he captured his only Super Bowl ring in the 2024 season after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans in Super Bowl LIX.
Slay spent one year with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year in his final season, playing in 10 games with three passes defensed.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay (23) reacts as he takes the field against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium on Nov. 2, 2025. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)
“It’s hard to say goodbye but God has a new chapter for me and I’m ready to turn the page and start appreciating the love and support you all have given me. I couldn’t have done it without you. Just a kid from Brunswick, GA with BIG dreams…” he wrote.
Slay earned the nickname “Big Play Slay” for his ability to come up at a position that is one of the most difficult to play in the NFL.
But after the Steelers released him after 10 games, he was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills. However, he never played for them and said he did not “feel like packing up and moving again.”
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr. (2) against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
It was a decision that ultimately ended Slay’s career, one that he should be happy with given the accolades he garnered, both personally and as a team, given that he will always be known as a Super Bowl champion.
