Darius Slay has made a name for himself in the NFL as one of the top shutdown cornerbacks in the league. Drafted in 2013 by the Detroit Lions, Slay has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections thanks to his blanket coverage and playmaking abilities on the field. While football fans know all about his athletic talents, Slay’s journey to NFL stardom actually begins with his devoted mother, Stephanie Lowe.
Stephanie Lowe’s Role in Darius Slay’s Upbringing
As a single mother, Stephanie Lowe raised Darius and his three siblings mostly on her own in Brunswick, Georgia after separating from Slay’s father. Though she struggled financially at times to make ends meet, Lowe worked tirelessly to provide for her family. According to Slay, his mother taught him core values growing up like self-motivation, discipline, and relentlessly pursuing your goals no matter the obstacles in your path.
“My mom was my biggest supporter growing up. She gave me that drive and belief I could achieve anything I put my mind to.” – Darius Slay
Despite having limited means, Lowe ensured her kids always had what they needed most – love, support, and encouragement. Slay and Stephanie maintained an extremely close bond that continues to this day.
Lowe’s Influence on Slay’s Football Path
Lowe recognized her son’s athletic talent and signed him up for youth football as soon as she could, even when money was tight. She attended every game and practice, displaying remarkable dedication while Slay progressed from a scrawny middle schooler to a quick and scrappy high school cornerback.
According to Slay, his mother provided vital motivation on his football journey:
“Even when I hardly got any college offers and doubts crept in, mom was there telling me to keep my head up and stay confident in my abilities.”
Slay credits her unwavering belief in him as a driving force that pushed him to defy the odds, achieve his NFL dreams, and continue striving for greatness at the highest level.
Key Moments Where Lowe Supported Her Son’s Football Career:
- Pee-wee & high school – Signed him up for youth leagues, attended his games/practices
- College – Provided encouragement when he received few scholarship offers
- NFL Draft – Celebrated as he was selected in the 2nd round by the Detroit Lions
- Contract extensions – Advised and supported him during negotiations
Celebrating Slay’s Career Achievements Together
Though she shuns the spotlight, Stephanie Lowe has been present behind the scenes to celebrate her son reaching major milestones in his NFL career.
She joined Darius for special moments like the 2013 NFL Draft when he was selected, as well as his first major contract extension signing with the Lions in 2016. Whenever possible, Lowe also travels to attend home games and watches the others on TV.
To show his appreciation, Slay purchases custom jerseys for his beloved mother from each franchise he joins – first the Lions and now the Philadelphia Eagles. According to Lowe’s son, they plan to enjoy more quality time visiting places around the world during his eventual retirement.
Stephanie Lowe’s Current Life
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While still very involved as a proud mother to five children, Stephanie Lowe now gets to enjoy the role of doting grandmother. She maintains an extremely private personal life, avoiding interviews with the press. Even today, Stephanie continues having daily conversations with her son Darius, their mother-son bond persisting as he succeeds in the NFL.
Slay expresses endless gratitude for the sacrifices his mother made to provide him and his siblings a better life:
“My mom gave up so much for us. Her strength, resilience and loving guidance fuels me. I can never repay her, but will spend my life trying.”
The cornerback also stays active in the Brunswick community where he grew up by running annual youth football camps. He credits local families like his own for the support system that helped guide his path. Slay especially hopes to inspire more single parents and their children to boldly pursue their dreams.
Who Are Stephanie’s Parents And Siblings?
While Stephanie Lowe has done an admirable job keeping the spotlight on her son Darius’ impressive NFL career rather than herself, some key details are known about her family origins.
Lowe was born Stephanie Ann McKibben on February 14th in Brunswick, Georgia where she spent her formative years.
Her parents Gene and Mary McKibben were both small business owners in the Brunswick area during Stephanie’s upbringing. Specific details have not been made public about her siblings or extended family.
What is clear however, is the strength of family runs deep in Stephanie’s roots based on how she prioritized supporting and protecting her own children as a single mother. She continued receiving guidance from her parents Gene and Mary well into adulthood and passing on the same loving care to her kids.
Who Are Stephanie’s Parents And Siblings?
While Stephanie Lowe has done an admirable job keeping the spotlight on her son Darius’ impressive NFL career rather than herself, some key details are known about her family origins.
Lowe was born Stephanie Ann McKibben on February 14th in Brunswick, Georgia where she spent her formative years.
Her parents Gene and Mary McKibben were both small business owners in the Brunswick area during Stephanie’s upbringing. Specific details have not been made public about her siblings or extended family.
What is clear however, is the strength of family runs deep in Stephanie’s roots based on how she prioritized supporting and protecting her own children as a single mother. She continued receiving guidance from her parents Gene and Mary well into adulthood and passing on the same loving care to her kids.
Darius Had A Child At A Young Age, Just Like Stephanie
Interestingly, Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay has followed his mother Stephanie’s path in becoming a parent at a very young age.
During his college football career at Mississippi State, an unplanned pregnancy resulted in Slay having a baby daughter named Paris in 2011 when he was just 20 years old.
Given his mother’s experiences raising Darius and three other children mostly on her own, one could speculate that this early unplanned pregnancy heightened Slay’s respect for the difficulties single parents face.
In an interview soon after being drafted to the NFL, Slay commented:
“Having a baby so young was a reality check. It helped me realize what all my own mom sacrificed for me.”
Much like Stephanie did when finances were tight, the young football star immediately stepped up to provide child support once he started earning an NFL salary.
Slay also makes an effort to remain an active father despite job demands by keeping Paris with him during off-seasons. He now has a son named Darius Jr. as well following a planned pregnancy with his long-time girlfriend.
So while early fatherhood sidetracked many young men, the maturity and work ethic instilled by his own single mother helped Darius handle the responsibility with grace. This allowed him to still achieve career goals and become an MVP caliber cornerback even with the surprise shift to dad duties.
Slay recognizes that without Stephanie Lowe’s resilience and caretaking when she became a mother at 19 years old, he wouldn’t be where he is today. It’s clear her inspirational example continues positively shaping his life journey including unplanned parenthood repeating history.
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Stephanie Lowe’s Net Worth
Stephanie Lowe has avoided the spotlight, so details on her net worth and assets remain undisclosed. As a single mother, Lowe worked hard to provide for her family, at times struggling financially according to son Darius Slay. Now with Slay’s NFL salary and endorsements worth over $100 million, one can reasonably assume he helps support his devoted mother. While her exact net worth is unknown, Lowe achieved the priceless accomplishments of raising her children with love and instilling values that paved the way for their success.
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