Darius Slay recalls nearly all aspects of his initial NFL game.
How he began his game against the Minnesota Vikings. How he was sidelined in the fourth quarter after allowing a lengthy touchdown pass. How he collapsed on his very first defensive play when Adrian Peterson left him face down in the grass on his way to the end zone.
“That initial match was wild,” Slay stated on Monday during Super Bowl 59 opening night. “My initial game facing off against one of the best running backs in history, Adrian Peterson.” My initial play involved him crossing me over, sprinting 80 yards, and then I was benched.
“Yeah, I recall that match.” “I will always remember that match.”
Twelve years older and significantly wiser, Slay is set to make his second career Super Bowl appearance this Sunday as the Philadelphia Eagles face the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of Super Bowl 57.
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At 34 years of age, Slay is in the later stages of a distinguished career.
He has been selected to six Pro Bowls during 12 seasons in the NFL. He is ranked seventh among current players with 28 interceptions in his career. He’s completely different from the rookie the Vikings selected on that September day in 2013, and yet he holds deep appreciation for that game and all of his seven seasons with the Detroit Lions.
“Detroit has my utmost love,” Slay expressed. “The Lions, for real, man.” That’s the group that believed in me, a youngster from Brunswick, Ga. Thus, it’s never anything but love.
“I support them each time.” I wish for them to win all their matches except for the one I’m competing in against them. But indeed, my friend, that’s home. That is definitely my second home.
Selected in the second round from Mississippi State in 2013, Slay transformed from an inexperienced rookie into one of the top cover corners in the NFL while in Detroit.
He faced considerable challenges as a rookie, but became a full-time starter in his second year and topped the league with eight interceptions in 2017.
“I received support from some excellent leaders,” Slay stated. “I was fortunate to have excellent coaches, and Jim Caldwell really
“After I managed to take down a ball or two from Calvin, I felt like no one could get free on me since I consider Calvin to be arguably the best receiver of all time.” After trying that a few times, I thought, ‘Yeah, no one can catch me.’”
A beloved fan favorite in Detroit, Slay’s trade to the Eagles in March 2020 is a lasting reminder of the dysfunction from the Matt Patricia period. He mentioned that he believed he could secure a Super Bowl with the Lions and wished to spend his whole career with the team until “the business aspect came into play.”
In Philadelphia, Slay has seen more successes than failures, earning three Pro Bowl selections and aiding the Eagles in their Super Bowl appearance with the top pass defense in 2022, although he almost exited the team following that game due to a salary cap cleanup.
Following the Eagles’ defeat to the Chiefs in Super Bowl 57, Slay received approval to explore trade options before free agency began, and was close to being released prior to finalizing a new contract.
This season, he has started 14 games, holding opposing quarterbacks to a 54.7% completion rate on passes thrown his way, as per Pro Football Reference, all while acting as a seasoned guide in Philadelphia’s young secondary.
The Eagles boast two of the five finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year with cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, along with third-year safety Reed Blankenship, who has been vital in the defensive backfield.
They topped the NFL in pass defense during the regular season (174.2 ypg allowed) after finishing 31st the previous year
“I’m grateful for this organization continuing to have faith in me,” Slay said. “Took a risk on me, too.” I just went over there to modify the back end of the database room, and I believe I accomplished that. I believe I somewhat revitalized the Philly secondary. Not suggesting that it doesn’t require everyone. I’m not claiming that I’m the only one who accomplished it. “I was simply the essential element that aided the Philly secondary in returning to its former stature.”
The secondary will face a significant challenge on Sunday against a Chiefs offense that placed in the middle tier for points and passing yards but features quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is already regarded as one of the greatest ever.
Mahomes threw three touchdown passes and orchestrated the game-winning 12-play field-goal drive in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory against the Eagles two years prior.
Slay stated that Sunday’s rematch isn’t focused on vengeance for the Eagles’ improved defense – Slay, pass rusher Josh Sweat, backup defensive back Avonte Maddox, and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who spent a year with the Lions, are the only Eagles defensive starters remaining from that match – but instead on demonstrating their value on football’s grandest stage.
For Slay, receiving another opportunity to secure a ring is the icing on the cake of a career that has already surpassed his greatest hopes.
He informed NBC Sports Philadelphia last month that he is likely to play one more NFL season before retiring, although his contract suggests he will likely do so with a different team next year. No matter what the future brings, he appreciates having gone through the journey.
“I’m participating in the Super Bowl,” he stated. “Not many individuals have attended the Super Bowl.” “I appreciate being here.”
Dave Birkett wrote the book titled “Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline.” Request your copy here. Reach out to him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Connect with him on Bluesky, X, and Instagram at @davebirkett.