Darius Slay’s NFL Journey Takes a Turn: Why the Six-Time Pro Bowler Stayed Home
Darius Slay has seen just about everything in his 13-year NFL career - Pro Bowls, playoff runs, and plenty of cross-country moves. But this week, the veteran cornerback made headlines for what he didn’t do: report to the Buffalo Bills after being claimed off waivers.
Let’s rewind a bit. Slay was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, prompting a flurry of interest from teams looking to add a proven defensive back ahead of the playoff push.
The Philadelphia Eagles - a team Slay knows well - and the Buffalo Bills both put in waiver claims. Thanks to their position in the waiver order, Buffalo won out.
But Slay never showed.
Instead, the Bills placed him on the reserve/did not report list, retaining his rights but getting no closer to seeing him suit up. The move raised eyebrows, especially with Buffalo in the thick of the AFC playoff race and looking for veteran help in the secondary.
So, why didn’t Slay make the trip?
He explained it himself on the Speakeasy podcast, and the answer was as honest as it was relatable.
“When I got home the other day, I was like, ‘Shoot, boy, this feels too good to be at the crib,’” Slay said with a laugh. “I just got out of Pittsburgh.
I don’t feel like packing up and moving again. I’m like, ‘Bro, I’m 13 years in.
I done did it.’”
That’s the kind of straight talk you get from a player who’s been around the block - and then some. Slay made it clear this wasn’t about disrespecting the Bills or doubting their potential. In fact, he praised the organization, calling it a “top” team with a franchise quarterback and legitimate playoff aspirations.
“It wasn’t a bad fit,” he said. “They just caught me at a bad time.”
And that time, frankly, is the tail end of a long, decorated career. Slay, 34, has already hinted that this season would be his last. So the idea of uprooting his life again - in December, no less - didn’t sit right.
“I talked to them, it was like a little mutual talk,” Slay said. “But I said, ‘Hey, I’m 34, man.
I know y’all be watching tape, but I’m trying to relax with my family and kids.’ I ain’t feel like packing up and moving.”
Then came the kicker - and it’s one every southern-born player can probably relate to.
“No offense to Buffalo,” he added, “but it’s cold as hell. I’m from the South, baby. We don’t know what snow looks like.”
It’s a sentiment that speaks to more than just weather preferences. After more than a decade in the league, Slay has earned the right to make decisions with his family and personal life in mind.
He’s not chasing a final contract or clinging to a roster spot. He’s simply calling it like he sees it - and in this case, staying home felt like the right call.
While Slay hasn’t officially announced his retirement, this latest development suggests the end may come sooner than expected. Whether or not he takes the field again, his impact on the game - and his ability to keep it real - won’t be forgotten anytime soon.