Every young college football player dreams of getting his first touchdown in the NFL-this past Sunday that dream came true for rookie wide receiver Darius Slayton!
After being drafted in the fifth round, 171st overall of the 2019 NFL draft by the New York Giants, Slayton was determined to make the most out of this opportunity. In his first career game as a professional football player, Slayton had three catches for a total of 182 yards. In this past Sunday’s game which saw the New York Giants pitted against the Minnesota Vikings, Slayton received his first professional career touchdown, which turned out to be the only one of the game.
Slayton, who played for Auburn University’s football program was great as a Tiger. Here, he made it his mission to be not only a star athlete but a good person as well. Upon deciding to forgo his senior year and enter the 2019 NFL draft, Slayton wrote a classy Thank You to Auburn for his teammates, coaches and the school in general. Slayton set up a Go Pledge It campaign titled “Darius Slayton Leaping for Loved Ones”. Slayton’s goal was to have individuals pledge money with every inch of his vertical leap at the 2019 NFL Combine. The money raised, which surpassed Slayton’s goal, went to Alabama Area Agency on Aging in honor of his grandparents, after his beloved grandfather was diagnosed with dementia. This disease affected Slayton’s whole family, as his grandmother had to take care of his grandfather and of course their loved ones since they were a pillar in all of their lives. The money helped others going through this disease by helping to provide services and care for those affected by it.
Slayton is full of class and respect and is sure to be a pivotal part of the New York Giants, contributing great things both to the game of football and to the community as well!