The slightly too early Detroit Lions All-Decade defense
Lions All-Decade Cornerbacks
Cornerbacks: Darius Slay (2013-Now), Chris Houston (2010-13)
As a brash youngster, Slay started calling himself ‘Big Play’, and kept it up until it eventually became true. Now with two consecutive Pro Bowl selections under his belt, Slay is regarded as one of the best defensive backs in the league, and the best news of all is that he’s right in the middle of his prime.
After leading the league in both interceptions and passes defended in 2017, his numbers went down last year as quarterbacks avoided ‘Big Play’ Slay as much as possible, the ultimate sign of respect.
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Houston was a four year starter, but he fills out the other cornerback spot more out of necessity than true stardom. 2011 was far and away his best season, picking off five passes and returning two of them for touchdowns (including a 100 yard pick-six during Tebowmania).
Interesting Lions cornerbacks trivia: As a rookie, Darius Slay tried to get Chris Houston to let him wear jersey No. 23. Houston said no, so Slay had to wear No. 30 instead in 2013. The next year, Houston moved on, and ‘Big Play’ seized his opportunity, both on the field and with his jersey number.