It has been a long, a successful, and a well-honored career at all levels of football. Now Darius Slay has decided it is time to bow out of the game that has made his name.
'Big Play Slay' has announced his retirement from football after 13 seasons in the National Football League. Slay will retire after playing his final fall with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the last and shortest of his stints in the League.
Announcing the news himself on social media as is the norm now, Slay began just by thanking 'dear football' itself. "I've been blessed to play the game I loved since I was 5yrs old for an amazing 13yrs at the highest level," Slay wrote.
"It's hard to say goodbye, but God has a new chapter for me and I'm ready to turn the page and start my new journey. To all my BigPlay fans, I will always appreciate the love and support y'all have given to me."
Slay made plenty of fans during his days with the Detroit Lions from 2013-19; with Philadelphia's Eagles 2020-24; and then as a Steeler. For his tenure he played in 187 regular season games, starting 176, with 655 total tackles, 28 pass interceptions and 163 deflections, while recovering six fumbles and forcing two.
Slay also scored five times on defensive plays. Three of his touchdowns came on pick-six returns, and twice he turned a fumble into a touchdown, both times with the Eagles in 2021.
Slay played in eleven post-season games, four of those in Philadelphia's run to the 2024 Super Bowl Championship. With that win he became the 27th at the time former Mississippi State Bulldog to earn a World Championship Ring.
He was chosen first-team All-Pro for 2017, while being selected for the Pro Bowl six times; 2017, '18, '19, '21, '22, 23.
The name he would become known by in the NFL was awarded during his two seasons at Mississippi State. It was to have been four seasons, as Slay signed with the Bulldogs for the 2009 season with Coach Dan Mullen out of Brunswick, GA.
However the academic rules of the day detoured him to junior college first, with Mississippi State wisely helping him enroll at Itawamba C.C. There he was an All-State and All-Region pick for his work on both defense and as a wide receiver, and re-signed with Bulldog football.
Slay was well-worth the waiting. As a junior he had 23 tackles and broke up one pass, as well as turning a pick into a 72-yard touchdown return. He did not start any of the 13 games that year. This changed when he became a senior, as Slay started all the 13 games in 2012.
His tackles rose to 40 and he intercepted five throws, returning one of those 52 yards for touchdown. Slay also blocked a kick that year.
His explosive skills playing the ball earned second-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, the 36th overall choice. His first year Slay dealt with two meniscus tears but he still played in 13 games.
Slay was claimed off waivers by Buffalo last December but informed the club he was considering retirement.