Darius Slay is ready to get on with the next chapter of his life.
The six-time Pro Bowl cornerback who won a Super Bowl with Philadelphia announced his retirement on Monday, ending a 13-year career in which he became one of the top players at his position in the game.
“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 on Instagram in a post that included video of the jerseys he's worn throughout his life. “Football was my peace, my joy, my everything.”
A second-round pick by Detroit in the 2013 draft, Slay played seven seasons with the Lions, making the Pro Bowl every year from 2017-19. A first-team All-Pro in 2017 when his eight interceptions led the league, Slay moved to Philadelphia in 2020, where he earned three more Pro Bowl nods and started for an Eagles defense that won the franchise's second Super Bowl following the 2024 season.
Slay moved on to Pittsburgh last season. He played in 10 games before being cut. Buffalo picked him up off the waiver wire but Slay declined to report to the team, telling former NFL player Emmanuel Acho on Acho's podcast that missing time at home weighed on him. Slay added that he was contemplating retirement and it was “50/50” that he would return.
Ultimately, Slay, who turned 35 on New Year's Day, opted to stay home for good. He finished his career with 28 picks, three of which he returned for touchdowns. He added another interception during Philadelphia's run to the Super Bowl.
“It’s hard to say goodbye,” Slay wrote. “But God has a new chapter for me and I’m ready to turn the page and start my new journey.”
Several of the charismatic Slay's NFL contemporaries — from Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner to Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons — praised Slay in response to his post.
“We gonna miss you legend !!,” Parson wrote.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
Only subscribers can view and post comments on articles.
Already a subscriber? Login Here
Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, is a fas… Read moreAragon High School Theatre presents "Puffs"
Join us for this fun community gathering. There will be a resource fair, music and a raffle.… Read moreBelmont Senior Showcase
Art Without An Artist: Can AI Be Considered An Artist? Read moreART WITHOUT AN ARTIST: Can AI be Considered an Artist?
Ready to dive into the world of Accessory Dwelling Units? Join us in person for a casual, in… Read moreBuild Your ADU Seminar: From Permits to Keys
Exclusive film screening in San Mateo Read moreA LITTLE FELLOW: THE LEGACY OF A.P.GIANNINI
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we set sail into the world of luxury river cruising!… Read moreLegendary Rivers & Tours Expo
Planning your dream wedding? Discover everything you need at the Wedding Fair in the Park – … Read moreWedding Fair in the Park
CA Is Burning said:
delynsimons said:
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.