Six-time Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay announces retirement

Field Level Media|published: Mon 16th March, 14:02 2026

Darius Slay: Cornerback | Years with Detroit: 2013–2019. He was a three-time Pro Bowler while with the Lions (2017–2019) and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2017 when he tied for the NFL lead with 8 interceptions and defended 26 passes. Known for his quickness, ball-hawking instincts and leadership in Detroit’s secondary, Slay became one of the most impactful defensive backs of his era for the franchise.

Former Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr. announced his retirement in a social media post Monday.

The former second-round pick in 2013 was a six-time Pro Bowl selection in 13 NFL seasons.

"Dear football, I wanna thank you for all you've done for me," Slay said in the caption of his announcement video on Instagram. "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.

"This game put me in a position to help 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, 35, made three Pro Bowls with both Detroit (2013-19) and Philadelphia (2021-24). The Eagles released him last March and he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing 10 games (nine starts) in 2025 before he was placed on waivers in early December.

The Buffalo Bills claimed Slay, but he elected to not report and instead sat out the remainder of the season.

In a clip he reposted on social media before announcing his retirement, Slay made it clear he only has one team he would consider playing for in 2026.

"No team can call me but Eagles. No team can call me, everybody knows," Slay said.

Slay, a first-team All-Pro cornerback in 2017, finishes his professional career with 655 tackles, 28 interceptions (three he returned for touchdowns), 17 tackles for loss, 163 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries (two for touchdowns) in 187 games (176 starts).

--Field Level Media

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