After 12 seasons, six Pro Bowl nods, and one first-team All-Pro selection, Darius Slay Jr. finally won a Super Bowl in February. That wasn’t enough to keep him in Philadelphia, though, and the experienced cornerback has since taken his talents to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Taking time to speak to the press during the team’s OTAs, Slay made an interesting point about the importance of turning up for organized team activities, in a possible dig at quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
‘Everybody Has To Buy In’ – Darius Slay Jr. on Building a Winning Culture
It’s not uncommon for veteran players to skip OTAs. The wear and tear of football leads to many players lightening their workload later in their careers.
Slay, though, is not one of those players. Not only was he present for team activities, but he also stated his view that Pittsburgh offers a great opportunity to build a winning culture.
“Everybody has to buy in, and this is the time that you need to be bought in,” he said. “Guys have families. I have one as well. You want to be a champion? There are things you have to sacrifice, and this is one of the jobs I want to sacrifice.
“I want to come here, be on time, be present, let guys see my face, let them know it’s important for me to be here, and I’m here to win.”
Much has been made of Rodgers’ continued lack of commitment to the Steelers, despite it appearing obvious that the quarterback will eventually sign. Steelers veteran Cam Heyward has previously aired his frustration about the situation on his podcast, stating that the decision to join Pittsburgh shouldn’t be a difficult one.
“Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t.”
Steelers DL Cameron Heyward is tired of the Aaron Rodgers watch.
“I ain’t doing that darkness retreat. I don’t need any of that crap. Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t.“
🎥@NotJustFootball podcast. pic.twitter.com/vviBkDQqRR
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) March 18, 2025
It’s not clear whether Slay had Rodgers on his mind at all with the comments, but, intentionally or not, the cornerback has shown up his potential new teammate in a big way. While general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin appear comfortable with the situation, the Steelers’ fan base has been left upset by Rodgers’ apparent indifference.
Rodgers remains a very capable quarterback who has the talent to lead the Steelers to a Super Bowl. By the time he eventually signs, though, he may find himself representing a city that has already grown sick of him.
