**ESPN Officially Confirmed: Steelers Veteran CB Darius Slay Wants to Take Joey Porter Jr.’s Game to the Next Level: ‘We’re Gonna Fix That’**

 

**ESPN Officially Confirmed: Steelers Veteran CB Darius Slay Wants to Take Joey Porter Jr.’s Game to the Next Level: ‘We’re Gonna Fix That’**

In a move that caught both Steelers fans and NFL insiders by surprise, ESPN has officially confirmed that veteran cornerback Darius Slay is taking a personal interest in the development of Pittsburgh’s rising young star, Joey Porter Jr. Slay, a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the most respected cornerbacks of the last decade, reportedly told ESPN, *“We’re gonna fix that,”* in reference to specific parts of Porter’s game that need refinement.

This mentorship storyline isn’t just heartwarming — it could be transformative.

Joey Porter Jr., the son of former Steelers linebacker and fan favorite Joey Porter Sr., had an impressive rookie season in 2023. Known for his physical play, long frame, and confident demeanor, Porter quickly earned starting reps and became a key piece in Pittsburgh’s secondary. However, despite his upside, scouts and analysts noted areas where his technique could improve — including footwork, discipline in coverage, and reaction timing against double moves.

That’s where Slay comes in.

Though still under contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, Slay has never shied away from offering guidance to younger players around the league — especially fellow corners. With over a decade of experience and elite-level play against some of the NFL’s top wideouts, Slay knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. His willingness to mentor Porter shows both his leadership and recognition of Porter’s raw potential.

According to ESPN’s report, Slay reached out during the offseason after watching film of Porter. His message was clear: “You’ve got all the tools — now let’s sharpen them.” Slay plans to work with Porter on reading receiver cues, improving hand placement at the line, and mastering pre-snap reads — skills that separate good corners from great ones.

For the Steelers, this is a huge win. They’ve long relied on defensive strength, and Porter is being groomed to be the future shutdown corner of the franchise. Having someone like Slay, who’s not only proven but still playing at a high level, involved in Porter’s development is invaluable. It’s a mentorship dynamic that could fast-track Porter’s rise to elite status.

Porter himself seems all in. In a recent media session, he said, *“When someone like Slay wants to help you, you listen. I want to be the best, and I know there’s a lot I can still learn.”* That kind of attitude is exactly what Pittsburgh fans love to see — young talent embracing wisdom and work ethic.

While it remains to be seen how much time they’ll spend training together, the idea of this mentorship already has ripple effects across the league. Veterans mentoring emerging stars doesn’t always happen organically, and when it does, it often leads to greatness.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Porter — not just to see if he can build on his rookie success, but to see how much of Slay’s influence shows up on the field. One thing’s certain: the bar is being raised, and as Slay said, “We’re gonna fix that.”

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