ITHACA, N.Y. – Following a minicamp invitation, the Indianapolis Colts announced the signing of former Ithaca College free safety Derek Slywka on June 6. Slywka will move to the other side of the ball and play wide receiver when he returns to Indianapolis for training camp in late July.

After going undrafted in April's NFL Draft, Slywka received his third look from an NFL team following rookie minicamp invites to the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. He will be the third Ithaca College graduate to play in the NFL, joining Sandor Szabo (1967 – Atlanta Falcons) and Joe D'Orazio (1944 – Washington Redskins/Detroit Lions).

Slywka put together one of the most productive seasons in 2023 for the Bombers as he was named an All-American by D3football.com, AFCA and Associated Press. He was also a First Team Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators, the D3football.com Region 2 Defensive Player of the Year and Cliff Harris Finalist.

He finished the 2023 season with six interceptions and 10 pass breakups, to go along with two blocked kicks, a fumble recovery and forced fumble, and logged 51 total tackles at his free safety position. Slywka caused a turnover in six consecutive games as well.

For his career, Slywka recorded 119 total tackles, 11 interceptions, 30 passes defended and four blocked kicks.