Darius Slay Retires After 13 Seasons in NFL

All-Pro CB Darius Slay announces retirement

NFL All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay retires after 13 seasons, citing 'Football was my peace, my joy, everything'.

Darius Slay ends career with impressive stats, including 28 interceptions and Super Bowl title...

Darius Slay, the six-time Pro Bowl cornerback, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons. The 35-year-old took to social media to share the news, saying, “Football was my peace, my joy, everything.”

Slay, who played for the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers, had a remarkable career with 28 interceptions, 163 pass breakups, and a Super Bowl championship with the Eagles. He was a key player in the Eagles' defense, earning three Pro Bowl nods during his time with the team.

The veteran's career took off in 2013 when the Detroit Lions drafted him in the second round. He spent his first seven years with the team, but it was 2017 that stood out - he led the league in interceptions (8) and pass deflections (26), earning First-Team All-Pro honours.

Slay's stint with the Lions ended, and he joined the Philadelphia Eagles for five years, winning a Super Bowl with them in 2025 in his final season with the team. 

Slay joined the Pittsburgh Steelers via free agency after his Super Bowl win with the Eagles, but his time there was cut short with a career-low 10 games played (nine starts). Considering he'd played at least 12 games in every other season, Slay's durability had been a notable trait throughout his career. 

Slay's stats speak for themselves: 163 career pass deflections and 148 fumble return yards are the most by any defensive player since 2013.

He racked up impressive numbers: 655 tackles, 28 interceptions, 17 tackles for loss, five defensive touchdowns, two forced fumbles, and one sack in 187 games (176 starts).