Find out what Detroit Lions Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay learned from one of the best defenders in the NFL over the summer, Richard Sherman.
For years, Detroit Lions fans have been singing the praises of cornerback Darius Slay. A second-round selection out of Mississippi State back in 2013, Slay has been one of the most consistent cornerbacks in the NFL for years. Yet, he has never gotten the recognition he truly deserved until last season.
And it only took Slay leading the NFL in interceptions to get it. In 2017, the 27-year old posted 60 total tackles, 24 pass defends and a league-leading eight interceptions. Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard also recorded eight interceptions on the season, sharing the honor with Slay.
That production led to the Lions’ fifth-year corner being nominated to his first Pro Bowl last year. Slay was also named to the NFL’s All-Pro first team. For fans, these accolades have been a long time coming for their defensive superstar.
Many believe Slay has been worthy of these honors for most of his career in the Motor City. But a lack of interceptions, averaging just two per season between 2014-2016, really hurt his chances. But his explosion of picks last season was finally enough to garner him the national attention he deserved.
But entering his sixth season in Detroit, Slay is not satisfied resting on his laurels. This offseason, the veteran cornerback joined other elite defenders to train at Stanford University last month.
The camp was led by longtime Seattle Seahawk superstar cornerback Richard Sherman, who now plays for the San Francisco 49ers. It was an opportunity for some of the top defensive backs in the NFL, including Xavier Rhodes and Aqib Talib, to train together, break down film and learn from one another.
Slay actually shared what he picked up from Sherman with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
"“Slay said he picked up pointers on covering deep balls from Sherman, who he called ‘the best cornerback in the league picking the deep ball.’ And he said he already can sense his time at Stanford ‘got me way better.’ If that’s the case, Slay could be in for another big season this fall.”"
Darius Slay is a beast. It’s something Detroit Lions fans have known for quite some time. And now, the NFL is finally figuring that out. The Motown star posted his best season as a professional last year. But he’s far from done. Expect another big season from “Big Play” Slay in 2018.