Darius Slay is bringing the championship mindset to the Steelers

When it comes to the NFL, players can be superstitious, but they also allow past experiences shape their present state. In the case of Darius Slay, who insists on only being called Slay, he knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl after being a part of the 2024 championship Philadelphia Eagles team.

What he knows is becoming a championship team are the little things. Little things like being able to show up even in unfortunate circumstances, like the weather.

“It was a great day, a great day, except for the weather,” said Slay with a smile at OTAs this week. “Other than that, it was a great day just learning and being around the guys, doing my best to help with whatever needs to be done.

“It was important for me to be here. Just trying to get ahead and learn as much as I can, and then work with the guys. So, it’s got to be a coordination in the back end.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to get to learn and meet new friends, meet new guys, meet new teammates, get a great chance with Joey (Porter Jr.) and help him develop. He can help me develop more.”

Ultimately, Slay knows where and when championship teams start, and it’s at offseason workouts, even the voluntary ones.

“This is where championship football starts,” said Slay. “I just came off the Super Bowl, and everybody’s got to buy in, and this is the type of time that needs to be brought in. I know guys have families and stuff, I’ve got one as well, but if you want to be a champion, there’s some stuff you’ve got to sacrifice. So, this is one of the jobs I want to sacrifice, which is coming here, being on time, being present, letting guys see my face, and let them know that it’s important to me to be here, and I’m here to win.”

For a veteran like Slay, he doesn’t need the extra reps, but what he does need is the chance to be around his new teammates. His new coaches. And to be the best teammate, and sounding board, he can be for this new organization.

“I just kind of come out and be myself, hang around, laugh, giggle, play around, talk to them,” said Slay. “I’m one of the guys that they know I’m going to talk to you. I’m not afraid for you to wait and come talk to me, I’ll come invade your space a little bit. So, it’s just learning each other and understanding. And that’s how you become a better teammate and that’s how you understand each other on the field.

“It’s a great opportunity for me. I’m blessed and fortunate to play for 13 years, so I’m thankful for that. I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach younger guys, to help them try to reach that type of 13 years because I want everybody to be successful. I’d like to take that on my shoulder because it’s a great opportunity.”

What are the expectations for Slay at this stage of his career? When it comes to on-field production you have every right to question what he brings to the team. But as a teammate, and an influence to younger players like Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice, the value he provides could be invaluable.

Slay will have an impact on this team, and it will come in a variety of ways. It also starts now, with these voluntary workouts.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of OTAs and get ready for Mandatory Minicamp.