Darius Slayton

BIOGRAPHY

Darius Slayton, born on January 12, 1997, has shaped a commendable career in football as a wide receiver for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). This narrative outlines his progression from a high school player to establishing his sturdy foothold in the commercial football industry.

The native of Georgia began nurturing his passion for football at Greater Atlanta Christian School. Here he played at the high school level and began showcasing the skill and determination that would shape his future.

Following his high school years, Slayton further refined his skills at Auburn University. After a redshirt year in 2015, he poured his passion on the gridiron from 2016 through 2018 at the collegiate level, representing the Auburn Tigers. His performances would soon catch the attention of professionals.

In 2019, he entered the NFL, selected 171st overall in the fifth round draft by the New York Giants. He was the 18th wide receiver picked that year, marking his entry into professional football. His rookie season was both testing and rewarding, highlighting Slayton’s ability to rise against the odds.

In his very first NFL game, a Week 3 punchout ending in an edgy 32–31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Slayton received the ball three times for 82 yards from fellow Giants rookie, Daniel Jones. His third game was a 28–10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, however, it saw his first NFL touchdown, a 35-yard dash that etched a milestone in his career.

One of the notable performances of his promising rookie season was the Week 8 game against the Detroit Lions; Slayton caught two pivotal 50-yard passes, both resulting in touchdowns, despite a 31–26 loss. His rising prowess was further underscored in Week 10 against the New York Jets, where he amassed 121 receiving yards from 10 catches and scored two touchdowns.

He ended his debut season with 48 receptions for 740 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, leading the Giants in receiving yards for the 2019 season. Such on-field heroics were a glimpse of the player Slayton was evolving into.

Slayton’s dedication to his craft continued to shine in the 2020 season. His agility and excellent ball skills were a bedrock for Giants offense. From the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers to a challenging encounter with the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5, he continually showcased his skill and agility. Despite the evident ups and downs, he totaled 50 receptions for 751 receiving yards with three touchdowns that season.

The 2021 season marked a continuity in Slayton’s commitment. Despite a disappointing dropped pass in the final moments of the Week 2 game against the Washington Football Team, euphoria prevailed as Slayton continued to triumph. In the Week 10 game against the Houston Texans, he averaged a career-high 31.7 yards per catch, including a sterling 54-yard dash for a touchdown that contributed to a 24–16 win for the Giants. At the season’s conclusion, he had recorded 46 receptions for 724 yards and a pair of touchdowns spread over 16 games, including 11 starts.

Slayton’s rise in the NFL caught the admiration of his team and in March of 2023, he penned a two-year contract extension with the Giants. He ended the 2023 season with 50 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns, constituting another solid chapter in his professional football career.

In conclusion, Darius Slayton, is a professional football player whose career highlights attest to his talent, determination, and commitment. From his roots in Auburn to his present standing in the NFL, he personifies perseverance and passion for his craft, performing with exceptional tenacity and skill to carve his name in the American football arena.