NFL world reacts to Darius Slay announcing his retirement

[ASFN Admin]

The Darius Slay era is over, as the talented cornerback has announced his retirement via social media after 13 illustrious seasons spent with the Lions, Eagles, and Steelers. Slay is a six-time Pro Bowl honoree (2018, '19, '20, '22, '23, '24) named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press in 2017.

Last spring, the Eagles released the Pro Bowl cornerback with a post-June 1 designation. The move saved Philadelphia $4 million in cap space and ended one of the most dominant runs by a cornerback in franchise history.

Slay started 14 games in 2024, recording 49 tackles (39 solo) and leading the NFL's No. 1 pass defense. He also led the Eagles with 13 passes defended, marking the third straight season he has recorded 13+ pass breakups. Slay recorded his first career playoff interception when he picked off a Jordan Love pass with 14:52 remaining in the second quarter of the Eagles' 22-10 win over Green Bay in the NFC Wild Card game.

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Here's the reaction from fans and media members around the league.

Darius Slay has announced his retirement

“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… pic.twitter.com/5t1fqXFAIw

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 16, 2026

Slay announces his retirement. https://t.co/4vlbMKbdrQ

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) March 16, 2026

Six-time Pro-Bowl CB Darius Slay announced his retirement from the NFL on IG: pic.twitter.com/4IZHo3vTCQ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2026

Long-time NFL CB Darius Slay is retiring from the NFL. https://t.co/jduH9k2B26pic.twitter.com/osJg8laHQ1

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2026

Beyond Darius Slay's career achievements (All-Pro, 6x Pro Bowl, SB LIX champion, etc.), he had a big impact on Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean as rookies.

“He is getting old. So, I want him to get a Super Bowl. I’m playing for him.” - Mitchell in 2024https://t.co/csFuukW7as

— Olivia Reiner (@ReinerOlivia) March 16, 2026

BREAKING: Longtime Eagles CB Darius Slay has announced his retirement.

Congrats, Slay! pic.twitter.com/SnOd4U4RUq

— SleeperEagles (@SleeperEagles) March 16, 2026

Darius Slay to retire from NFL after 13 seasons. pic.twitter.com/GzUIjTMUjC

— NFL (@NFL) March 16, 2026

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Darius Slay retires: Reaction from the NFL world

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