By: Teddy Bishop

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Former Brunswick High School standout Darius “Big Play” Slay has announced his retirement from the National Football League after 13 seasons.

Slay was a 2^nd round draft pick by the Detroit Lions in 2013—the 36^th player chosen overall. He played for the Lions for seven seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for five seasons and was instrumental in the Eagles victory in Super Bowl LIX, beating the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22.

Slay was released by Philadelphia in March of 2025 and signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers but was released by the Steelers after 10 games of the 2025 season. He was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills, but Slay elected not to join the Bills, hinting that retirement was eminent.

In 187 career games in the NFL, “Big Play” recorded 655 tackles, 163 pass breakups, 28 interceptions, and 5 defensive touchdowns, earning him six Pro Bowl selections.

At the height of Slay’s career, quarterbacks often opted not to challenge his prowess as a cornerback, instead throwing to receivers who were covered by other defensive players.

In his senior year of high school, Slay led the Brunswick High Pirates to a region championship (6-0, region record; 9-3, overall). In addition to playing cornerback for BHS, Slay also played running back, rushing for over 1300 yards and 15 touchdowns his senior season.

Even as a sophomore, Slay was ticketed for big plays, as he ran for 1100+ yards and scored 13 touchdowns.

After a playoff loss on the road during Slay’s sophomore season, I was descending the steps from the press box when an opposing fan stopped me. Even though BHS had lost, Slay had had a big game.

“That Slay kid,” the opposing fan said, “is only a sophomore?

“Yes, sir,” I confirmed, “only a sophomore.”

The opposing fan shook his head as he commented, “I hope we don’t play y’all the next two years!”

Slay was on pace his junior year for another 1000 yards rushing, but, unfortunately, his season was cut short after five games due to an injury.

Slay was also a multi-sport athlete at BHS, running track and lettering in basketball.

Following his stellar senior year in high school, Slay played two seasons as a defensive back at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi, earning All-MACJC (Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges) honors both years.

After Itawamba, Slay went to Mississippi State for his final two years of college, where he recorded 64 tackles, six interceptions and two touchdowns. His defensive coordinator, Geoff Colllins, nicknamed him “Big Play Slay.”  Slay was also chosen 2^nd– team All-SEC following his senior season at MSU.

Slay has been married to the former Jennifer Williams since 2018. Jennifer is also an athlete, having played collegiate basketball at Southwestern Oklahoma State.

Slay announced his retirement on Instagram, saying, “Dear football, I wanna thank you for all you’ve done for me.  I’ve been blessed to play the game I love since I was 5 yrs old.  Football was my peace, my joy, everything.”

“It’s hard to say goodbye, but God has a new chapter for me and I’m ready to turn the page and start my new journey.

“To all my BigPlay fans, I will always appreciate the love and support y’all have given me.  I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Slay signed off by saying, “Just a kid from Brunswick, GA with BIG dreams.”

Thanks for all the memories, Big Play!