Darius Slay announces retirement after 13 seasons

Slay made the retirement announcement on his Instagram page, sharing a highlight video as well as an emotional note to the sport he began playing as a toddler.

“Dear football,” the 35-year-old wrote, “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. 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. To all my BigPlay fans, I will always appreciate the love and support y’all have given to me. I couldn’t have done it without you. Just A kid from Brunswick, GA with BIG dreams…✊🏽 BigPlay on and off the field! We Out✌🏾”

Slay broke into the NFL in 2013, after the Lions selected him in the second round of the draft.

He logged 94 starts in seven seasons for Detroit, recording 19 interceptions and three Pro Bowl appearances.

He was traded to the Eagles in 2020, and went on to help Philadelphia win Super Bowl LIX over Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs.

Slay eventually joined the Steelers just prior to the 2025 season, but he was released by the team in December after playing in 10 games. He was claimed off waivers by the Bills, though he never suited up for Buffalo, stating he didn’t “feel like packing up and moving again.”

In his career, Slay played in 187 total games and recorded 28 interceptions, three of which he returned for a score.

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