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Darius Slay eyed returning to the Eagles before announcing his retirement.
After 13 years in the NFL, cornerback Darius Slay decided to put an end to his professional career. Following his decision to retire, the former All-Pro talent spoke on wanting to have one last run with a franchise he has deep ties with.
On March 19th, Slay sat down with longtime TV analyst Jim Rome to discuss an array of topics. Among the things they touched on was the 35-year-old deciding not to report to the Buffalo Bills after being claimed off waivers last season. At that stage of his career, Slay was mainly eyeing a farewell tour with the Philadelphia Eagles or hanging up his cleats for good.
“Where I’m at in my career I was more like hey if I wasn’t going to Philly I wasn’t probably going nowhere else,” Slay said. “I just really wanted to either go to Philly or go home.”
“If I wasn’t going to Philly, I wasn’t probably going nowhere else.”
@bigplay24slay on why he didn’t report to the Bills after Buffalo claimed him off waivers in December.
Slay spent the latter half of his career with the Eagles after being traded from the Detroit Lions in 2020. He was a key piece of Philadelphia’s secondary for years, helping the franchise capture a Super Bowl in 2024.
The Eagles decided to release Slay last offseason, which led to him inking a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, his tenure there was brief as the front office cut ties with him after just 10 games.
Darius Slay Has No Regrets Following Decision to Retire
During his time with the Lions and Eagles, Slay solidified himself as one of the top talents at his position for years. His stellar play resulted in an array of both personal and team accolades. Looking back at all he’s accomplished over the last 13 years, the decision to retire is an easy one.
While speaking with Rome, Slay confidently spoke about knowing it’s time to call it a career. He is happily holding his head high with his list of accolades and getting to step away on his own merit.
“13 years, Super Bowl, getting to two of them,” Slay said. “Got my accolades, All-Pros, Pro-Bowls so I feel great. I’m going out on my own terms, my own way out. Had fun doing it.”
“I feel great. I’m going out on my own terms, my own way out. I had fun doing it too.”
@bigplay24slay on his decision to retire after 13 years in the NFL.
With this chapter officially closed, Slay now embarks on a new life journey post-football.
Eagles Send Message to Darius Slay Following Retirement
Slay announced his decision to retire on his own, making a heartfelt post on social media. It included an array of clips throughout his career, including a large portion of moments from his time with the Eagles.
Shortly after the news got around, people in and around the NFL quickly sent congratulatory messages to him. Among those to do so were the Eagles.
The Eagles’ social media team made multiple posts to honor Slay, the first one applauding him for his impressive body of work on the field.
After their congratulatory message, the Eagles posted a nearly two-minute montage of all his best plays in Philadelphia.
While the two sides weren’t able to work out a reunion last season, it’s evident there is still a lot of respect and admiration for one another.
Kevin McCormick is a veteran sports writer covering the NBA for Heavy.com. After writing for Heavy briefly in 2022, he’s returned to the publication in 2026. McCormick brings with him over seven years of experience writing about the NBA in a newsroom and served as a credentialed reporter of the Philadelphia 76ers for 97.3 ESPN, ClutchPoints, and On SI. More about Kevin McCormick
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