Trending Now - Darius Slay Retires, Pledges Lifelong Commitment to Eagles

WHO:

Darius Slay, 35 years old, six-time Pro Bowler, first-team All-Pro in 2017

Drew Rosenhaus, Slay's agent

Darius Slay, veteran cornerback

Drew Rosenhaus, Slay's agent

Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions

WHAT:

Slay announced his retirement from the NFL on March 16th, 2026, after 13 seasons.

Slay stated on Instagram, "Dear football, I wanna thank you for all you’ve done for me. I’ve been blessed to play the game I loved since I was 5yrs old for an amazing 13yrs at the highest level. Football was my peace, my joy, my everything."

Slay recorded a career total of 28 interceptions, 163 passes defended, and 655 tackles over his 13-season career.

Slay was a six-time Pro Bowler and a first-team All-Pro in 2017, leading the league with eight interceptions that year.

Slay was part of the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX Championship team, which won against the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans during the 2024 season.

Slay's breakout year was in 2017, where he finished with 60 tackles, a career-high 8 interceptions, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.

Slay was traded to the Eagles in 2020 for third- and fifth-round picks after tension with former Lions head coach Matt Patricia.

Slay won a Super Bowl in 2025, specifically during the 2024 season.

Slay finished his career with the Steelers having played 13 games for Pittsburgh and posted a 58.6 PFF coverage grade, which was his worst since 2019.

Slay was waived by the Steelers in early December 2025 before being claimed by the Buffalo Bills.

Slay was a second-round pick out of Mississippi State by the Detroit Lions in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Slay recorded nine interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and four total touchdowns during his time with the Eagles.

Slay was named a team captain for the first time in 2022 and again in the Super Bowl season of 2024.

Slay led the league with 163 pass deflections from his rookie season in 2013 through his departure from the Eagles.

Darius Slay announced his retirement from the NFL on March 16th, 2026.

Slay shared a message on his Instagram page, stating, "Dear football, I wanna thank you for all you’ve done for me. I’ve been blessed to play the game I loved since I was 5yrs old for an amazing 13yrs at the highest level. Football was my peace, my joy, my everything."

Slay was claimed by the Buffalo Bills on waivers in December 2025 but did not report to the team, as he was contemplating his future.

Darius Slay announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons.

Slay played in 10 games for the Steelers in the 2025 season, starting nine.

He recorded three passes defensed, a fumble recovery, and 36 total tackles.

Slay had 28 interceptions, 163 passes defended, and 655 tackles in his career.

Slay stated, "This game put me in a position to take care of my family and loved ones and I'm forever grateful. 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."

Slay indicated that the Eagles are the only team he would consider playing for in 2026, stating, "No team can call me but Eagles. No team can call me, everybody knows."

WHERE:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Eagles), Buffalo, New York (Bills), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Steelers), Detroit, Michigan (Lions)

WHEN:

Slay was claimed by the Buffalo Bills on waivers in December 2025.

Slay's career began in 2013 when he was drafted in the second round.

Slay played for the Eagles from 2020 to 2024 and won a Super Bowl with them in 2024.

WHY:

Slay indicated he may just retire if he doesn’t end up on the Eagles, where he previously played from 2020 to 2024, stating, "No team can call me but Eagles. No team can call me, everybody knows."

Slay indicated he may just retire if he doesn’t end up on the Eagles, where he previously played from 2020 to 2024.

Slay retired to start a new chapter in his life and career.

HOW:

Slay earned the nickname "Big Play Slay" for his ability to force turnovers in crucial moments of games.

Slay earned the nickname "Big Play Slay" at Mississippi State for forcing turnovers in crucial moments of games.

Slay expressed gratitude for his career, stating, "Getting respected by your peers is bigger than anything else. Just for guys to depend on me and have me leading the ship, it feels very important to me."

Slay announced his retirement via a statement posted on social media and shared career highlights.

Slay announced his retirement via a statement posted on social media.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 17:22 UTC)

In a heartfelt announcement on Instagram, Slay revealed his retirement from the NFL on March 16, 2026, after an impressive 13-season career. Known as "Big Play Slay," he recorded a total of 28 interceptions, 163 passes defended, and 655 tackles, earning six Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro honor in 2017, when he led the league with eight interceptions. Slay was also a key player on the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX Championship team, which triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2024 season.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 05:25 UTC)

In a standout career that began with a breakout year in 2017, Slay recorded 60 tackles, a career-high eight interceptions, one sack, and one forced fumble. After being traded to the Eagles in 2020, he went on to win a Super Bowl in 2025 and finished his career with the Steelers, where he played 13 games and posted a 58.6 PFF coverage grade, his lowest since 2019. Slay, known as "Big Play Slay" for his knack for forcing turnovers at Mississippi State, was waived by the Steelers in early December 2025 before being claimed by the Buffalo Bills.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 01:28 UTC)

Darius Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2017, has hinted at retirement if he doesn't return to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played from 2020 to 2024. Slay, who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2013, recorded impressive stats during his time with the Eagles, including nine interceptions and leading the league with 163 pass deflections. Expressing gratitude for his career, Slay emphasized the importance of being respected by his peers and the responsibility of being a team captain.

(UPDATED March 16, 2026 23:11 UTC)

Darius Slay announced his retirement from the NFL today, sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram where he expressed gratitude for the game that has been a part of his life since he was five years old. After being claimed by the Buffalo Bills last December but not reporting to the team, Slay had hinted that he would retire if he didn't return to the Eagles, where he played from 2020 to 2024. In his retirement statement, he reflected on his 13 years in the league, calling football his peace, joy, and everything.

(UPDATED March 16, 2026 19:25 UTC)

Darius Slay announced his retirement from the NFL after an impressive 13-season career, which included playing ten games for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Throughout his time in the league, Slay recorded 28 interceptions and 163 passes defended, and he expressed gratitude for the opportunities the game provided him to support his family. He also made it clear that if he were to return, it would only be to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, stating, "No team can call me but Eagles."