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Micah Parsons Sends Message After Retirement Decision on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 2:20 PM ET

Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers secured a 9-7-1 record during the 2025 NFL season, just squeaking into the playoffs with the No. 7 seed in the NFC. However, the Packers' postseason run was short-lived, falling to Caleb Williams and the No. 2 seed Chicago Bears 31-27 in the wild card round.

Still, Parsons continued to prove he is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL after the Dallas Cowboys traded him away. In his first year in Green Bay, the former Penn State star recorded 41 tackles, a team-high 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. But a torn ACL ended Parsons' 2025 season early, putting the start of his 2026 season in jeopardy. But while Parsons continues his recovery this offseason, another star defender is hanging up his cleats.

Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) celebrates after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9).Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Darius Slay Jr., after a college career with Mississippi State, was selected by the Detroit Lions with the No. 36 pick in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent his first seven seasons in Detroit, becoming one of the league's top cornerbacks and earning an All-Pro nod, along with three Pro Bowl selections. Ahead of the 2020 season, Slay was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent the next five years, securing three more Pro Bowl nods and even winning Super Bowl LIX.

But in 2025, Slay joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal, helping them earn a spot in the wild-card round. Following his 13th NFL season, Slay decided it was time to call it quits, announcing his retirement on social media.

"Dear football, I wanna thank you for all you’ve done for me," Slay wrote on Instagram. "I’ve been blessed to play the game I loved since I was 5yrs old for an amazing 13yrs at the highest level. Football was my peace, my joy, my everything. This game put me in a position to help take care of my family and loved ones and I’m forever grateful. It’s hard to say goodbye, but God has a new chapter for me and I’m ready to turn the page and start my new journey. To all my BigPlay fans, I will always appreciate the love and support y’all have given to me. I couldn’t have done it without you. Just A kid from Brunswick, GA with BIG dreams…✊ BigPlay on and off the field! We Out✌"

Parsons quickly took notice of Slay's retirement decision, leaving a message for the cornerback in the comments: "We gonna miss you legend !! ."

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Slay will certainly go down as one of the best cornerbacks the NFL has ever seen, and could find himself in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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