Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay wants to upgrade his nickname from “Big Play Slay” to something that will more suitably represent his coverage skills.
According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Slay believes no one alive can get the better of him.
“I can cover anybody on this planet. I am The Earth. Call me The Earth.
“I’m The Earth. But Big Play Earth.”
That statement is too good to leave untouched. The 24-year-old is entering his third NFL season and isn’t exactly a household name, which makes his comments even more bold.
Following a tremendously mediocre rookie campaign in 2013, the Mississippi State product recorded 61 tackles and two interceptions last season. Slay’s 17 passes defended tied for fifth-most in the league. Additionally, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he ranked 19th at his position with a plus-7.2 rating last season.
However, there’s no doubt Darrelle Revis, Richard Sherman, Chris Harris, Vontae Davis, Sean Smith and Desmond Trufant remain at the top of the league’s hierarchy at cornerbacks.
While Slay has the potential to reach that point eventually, the 6-foot, 192-pounder certainly hasn’t earned elite status, let alone a nickname of that caliber.
Stick with “Big Play Slay,” Darius. It sounds much better anyway.
Photo: USA Today Sports