During the spring when Slay first met with the new coaching staff, he expressed his desire to be the guy, to be the number one cornerback. Slay, never one to shy away from competition, wanted to travel with the opposing teams number one receiver. “Of course, for me being a competitor, that’s what I want to do. (Gannon) knows that too. We’ll see when the season comes up though.”
Thirteen weeks into the season Slay has shadowed the opposing teams number one receiver when asked or played the scheme defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has drawn up for the weekly game plan. And Slay has done both incredibly well.
Halloween; Slay versus his former team, the Detroit Lions. He has as a fumble recovery for a TD, his scoop and score was the 2nd touchdown of his career and his first of the season. Two weeks later , Slay took another fumble recovery for a TD. This time against the Broncos, which earned him the defensive player of the week award, after his 82 yd TD return in the Eagles 30–13 win. And, yet again, the following week, versus the Saints. Slay gets a pick six right before the half to extend the Eagles lead and insure another Eagles victory. Three touchdowns resulting in three wins.
He is in rare territory. Slay is only the second Eagles defender to score at least three touchdowns in a season, one behind former Eagles cornerback, the great Eric Allen (who had 4 in 1993).
Through the first 13 games of this 2021 season, Slay has 39 tackles, 7 PBU’s, 3 int’s, 2 fumble recoveries, and 3 td’s. Quite a resume’.
He is not only putting together a Pro Bowl season, he is also the Eagles nominee for the esteemed Art Rooney Sportsmanship of the year award. The work ethic, determination and positive attitude that he embodies is paying huge dividends for the Eagles. Just as it has for Slay his entire life.
Slay was born New Years day 1991 in Brunswick, Georgia. He attended Brunswick High where he was a two way star as both a RB and DB. He was named an All State defensive back, intercepting 6 passes and returning 2 for TD’s his senior year. He also rushed for 1300 yards and 15 TD’s that same season. While Slay was still in High School he also became a father at the age of 15. “I did freak out, of course”
Slay’s father was 14 and his mother, Stephanie Lowe, was 13 when she gave birth to Darius. His grandmother, Dorothy Walthour took care of him so his mother could finish school. And when Slay was contemplating quitting school so he could raise his son, his mother did the same. She wanted him to continue with school and his football.
Slay finished High School and went to Itawamba Community College, playing two seasons there before earning a scholarship to Mississippi State. Academics were important to Slay’s mother as she would remind him that only 1.6% of college players are drafted into the NFL. Slay, always confident, said he felt real good about that percentage and he worked as hard as he could to realize the dream.
Slay entered the NFL draft after his impressive 2012 season where he had 5 interceptions (one returned for a TD). He ended his senior year tied for the SEC league in interceptions and earned a position as second team All Sec. Big Play was rising up NFL draft boards. During the combine he impressed the scouts again, Slay was the fastest defensive back running a 4.36 forty.
The Detroit Lions selected him in round 2 with the 36th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. His son was with him when he was drafted “My son he don’t even know what’s going, ‘why daddy crying’ I gotta suck it up, I ain’t no punk in front of my son (laughing)”. His son, Darion, might not have understood what was going on the day his father was drafted, but he would play an instrumental role a few short years later.
During Slay’s first season in the NFL he regularly went against Wide Receiver great Calvin Johnson in practice. “My rookie year I didn’t make a play on him, he punished me everyday. But every time he caught the ball he coached me up” And the advice was helping. “My second year of OTA’s, Calvin ran an out and up on me, first week of practice. And I knocked it down. I had the high point attack on a 6’5 dude.” He started locking Johnson up in practice more often and gaining confidence. “If I’m doing this to one of the greatest receivers ever, this is going to be easy on Sunday.”
Slay quickly became one of the top corners in the league, also one of the most durable. He played in at least 13 games in all seven seasons for Detroit. He earned 3 consecutive pro bowls in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and his nickname. Slay credits his son Darion for pushing him “He’s (Darion) the one who made me Big Play Slay, He’s the one that really built all the confidence in me. When my son came here (to live with him), the first thing he said was ‘Dad, no touchdowns today’. He’s my drive, he’s the one pushing me” Sometimes even using tough love. ”Don’t get Mossed”(The definition of Mossed. A verb. The act of NFL star wide receiver Randy Moss making a spectacular catch and the defensive back covering him look foolish at the same time).
Getting “Mossed” rarely, if ever, happened. When the Lions made it known he was available via trade, Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman (with a long list of other suitors) made it known he was the exact player they (Eagles) were looking for. Philadelphia had previously discussed trading for Slay in 2019. And a year later the two sides finally worked it out. On March 20, 2020 Slay was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 3rd and 5th rd pick in the 2020 draft. Slay signed a 3 year 50 million deal following the trade.And the Eagles have been happy they’ve got him ever since.
Slay was eager to start work with his new team and joked about playing with one of his new teammates. Slay stated his best play in the NFL was intercepting former Philadelphia Eagles QB. “Carson Wentz pick, his first pick. I wish he could sign my ball (laughing)” Wentz has since moved on and Hurts has taken over the position, but Slay’s leadership has stayed the same.
His impact on the field has his team thriving during the chase for the playoffs, and his fun loving personality is contagious. He is always smiling and having fun and is revered on the field and in the locker room. Reminiscent of another former beloved Eagles defensive back, Brian Dawkins, Slay doesn’t use curse words to get his point across. He’s also a football junkie that is often seen spending extra time in the film room talking and teaching technique with younger players. Not limited to just the defensive backs, he also is chopping it up with the wide receivers, like DeVonta Smith. They have forged a great relationship, and a fun rivalry. DeVonta has stated he seeks advice from Slay regarding coverages and route running “It helps a lot, just knowing the things that I can do better. Knowing the things that I’m giving away. So him telling me just helps. Lets me know how to eliminate that, so I don’t give any tells” They’re also super competitive.
Slay always offers a smile while giving thoughtful answers to all of the questions he’s been asked since arriving in Philly. It is easy to see why he’s a fan favorite, and one of the medias as well. He seems to always be having a great time and living life to the fullest.
He and his wife, Jenn Williams Slay (An athlete in her own right. She played basketball for Southwestern Oklahoma St University) welcomed another child to their family in October. Slay loves growing up with the kids “I had more straight up parents when I was growing (up) I just understood them more.” And having a child at a young age has allowed Big Play to grow up with his children the same way he raised. And he wouldn’t want it any other way.
“That’s why I’m so happy go lucky, I’m still a kid at heart, I go out there and have fun”
He is giving everyone in Philadelphia a lot to have fun about as well.
David
Follow me @PHLEagleNews
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