For years, cornerback Darius Slay Jr. faced off against Aaron Rodgers, matching wits with one of the NFL’s smartest quarterbacks. Now, in a twist Slay himself calls surreal, the longtime rivals are teammates in Pittsburgh.
Rodgers, a four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers this offseason, joining a team that’s clearly in win-now mode. Slay, who spent nearly a decade trying to slow Rodgers down in the NFC North, is still wrapping his head around sharing a locker room with the quarterback he once tried to intercept every fall.
Darius Slay Jr. Reflects on Years of Facing Aaron Rodgers
Slay, who spent seven seasons with the Detroit Lions, was very familiar with his NFC North rival when they were on opposite sidelines. Speaking to ESPN’s Mina Kimes, Slay opened up about what it’s like to be teammates with Rodgers now.
“I mean, the fact that he’s seen everything, there’s no coverage he hasn’t seen, there’s nothing he doesn’t know. His presence is great for us,” Slay said. “We were in the same division for eight years. I’ve played him over 20 or 30 times. He’s still doing what he does. His arm strength is still there. Of course, it’s not like he’s 20, but he can still get the ball to a spot where only the receiver can make a play on it.”
It’s clear Slay has deep respect for Rodgers’ game. Even though he never picked him off in their many battles, Slay always saw Rodgers as the ultimate test for a cornerback.
How many wins for Aaron Rodgers and the @steelers in 2025? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/yTOOV8waoX
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) June 11, 2025
Rodgers’ Arrival Brings Veteran Leadership to Steelers
Beyond the nostalgia, Slay sees Rodgers’ presence as a big help for the Steelers’ young offense.
“I think he’s a great addition because we’ve got a younger guy [Will Howard] that just got drafted from Ohio State. He can really train him, help him get to where he’s at,” Slay said.
Slay also mentioned wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade from Seattle this offseason.
“Bringing DK along helps, too. Rodgers doesn’t have to go find a true number one receiver, he’s got one that’s right there and ready to go,” Slay added.
The Steelers are clearly building around Rodgers, hoping his experience and leadership can lift a talented but still unproven group.
Rodgers and Slay Go From Rivals to Teammates
For Slay, the full-circle moment is still sinking in.
“It’s going to be fun. I’m excited. It’s crazy. I thought I’d never play with him. I always thought of him in Green Bay. But it’s crazy that we both found each other over here in this black and yellow,” Slay said.
Slay’s journey from trying to pick off Rodgers to now rooting for him is one of the most surprising twists of the NFL offseason. But if the Steelers are going to make a real run in 2025, they’ll need both veterans to lead the way on both sides of the ball.