Newly Signed Cornerback Taking on a Leadership Role with the Steelers
This year, the Pittsburgh Steelers took the veteran path at CB2 on the depth chart again. The team signed cornerback Darius Slay. He’s a former All-Pro and Super Bowl champion. Slay is already becoming a vocal leader on the Steelers’ defense. During OTAs, he set an example for the younger players. Slay remarked, “This is where championship football starts. Everybody has to buy in, and this is the time to buy in. I know guys have family and stuff, and I have got one as well, but if you want to be a champion, there are some things you have to sacrifice. I want to be here on time, be present, let guys see my face, and show guys it is important to be here, and I am here to win.” Slay doesn’t have any issues with becoming a mentor for younger players instead of being the team’s star player.
Slay is six feet tall and weighs 190 pounds. Slay played collegiate football at Itawamba before transferring to Mississippi State. He was chosen by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, becoming the second-highest drafted cornerback from Mississippi State, being selected 36th overall. In 2017, Slay became the NFL interceptions co-leader. That same year, he was also named a First-Team Associated Press All-Pro selection. The six-time Pro Bowler played with the Lions through the 2019 season.
The 2017 First-Team All-Pro then joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020, where he remained with the team through the 2024 season. Slay was a starter for the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, earning Slay his first Super Bowl win. He started in 14 games during the 2024 season, recording 49 tackles, 39 of them solo stops, and three tackles for a loss, and defended 13 passes that season. Throughout his career, Slay has amassed 614 tackles, 512 of which were solo stops, while 16 were tackles for a loss. He had 28 interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns, including a 70-yard score. Slay has defended 161 passes, also recording five fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and one sack, earning the cornerback six Pro Bowl selections—2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. His accomplishments make him an excellent mentor for the Steelers’ defense.
