Darius Slay Announces NFL Retirement After 13 Seasons

The former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback won a Super Bowl and made 5 Pro Bowls during his career.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:21pm

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After 13 impressive seasons in the NFL, former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay has announced his retirement from professional football. The 35-year-old shared a heartfelt message on social media thanking the game of football for the opportunities it provided him and his family.

Why it matters

Slay was a dominant cornerback during his time in the league, making 5 Pro Bowls and winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2022. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Philadelphia defense, which will now have to find a new leader in the secondary.

The details

Slay spent the first 7 seasons of his career with the Detroit Lions before being traded to the Eagles in 2020. In Philadelphia, he earned 3 more Pro Bowl selections and won Super Bowl LIX. After the Super Bowl win, Slay played one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 before being released and claimed by the Buffalo Bills, though he never reported to the team and ultimately signed back with the Eagles.

  • Slay announced his retirement on March 16, 2026.
  • He played 13 seasons in the NFL from 2013 to 2025.

The players

Darius Slay

A 35-year-old former cornerback who spent the majority of his 13-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, making 5 Pro Bowls and winning a Super Bowl.

Philadelphia Eagles

The NFL team that Slay played for from 2020 to 2024, where he was a key part of their Super Bowl-winning defense.

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What they’re saying

“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. This game put me in a position to help take care of my family and loved ones and I'm forever grateful.”

— Darius Slay

The takeaway

Darius Slay's retirement marks the end of an era for the Philadelphia Eagles' defense, as they will now have to find a new leader in the secondary. Slay's dominant play and fun-loving personality made him a beloved figure in Philly, and his legacy as a 5-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion will cement his place as one of the top cornerbacks of his era.