Jackie Slater

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

A graduate of Jackson State University, he was a teammate of Walter Payton. Drafted in the third round of the 1976 NFL draft, Slater seldom played his first few years before starting in 1979. Known as the most consistent member of one of the most potent offensive lines in NFL history, Slater was selected to seven Pro Bowls and broke a record for most seasons with one team. His jersey number was retired and he was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001. Slater later served as the offensive line coach at Azusa Pacific University, a role he held until 2015. His son, Matthew Slater, is a former special teams player for the New England Patriots.

In Their Own Story

On September 25, 1983, tension boiled over when New York Jets defensive end Mark Gastineau showboated after sacking Slater. The incident sparked a bench-clearing brawl that resulted in ejections for both players. Later that season, the Rams faced Chicago Bears linemen Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael, and William Perry in the NFC championship game. Overpowered by the famous 46 defense, the Bears smothered Dickerson and quarterback Dieter Brock to win 24–0 before routing the New England Patriots 46–10 in Super Bowl XX. Despite such setbacks, Slater's consistency shone through; he was a key blocker when Dickerson ran for a playoff-record 248 yards against Dallas in 1985. Former teammate Jim Everett later remarked that "Jackie Slater is proof they were playing football in the prehistoric days," highlighting the sheer physical endurance required to play 20 seasons.

Reader's Guide

Slater played in 259 games from 1976 to 1995. He played one game in 1995, the Rams' first in the TWA Dome vs. the Carolina Panthers. In 1984, Slater suffered a season-ending injury in week seven vs. the New Orleans Saints; he did not play in all 16 games that season.

Did You Know?

• Slater played only one game in the 1995 season, the Rams' first in St. Louis.
• He suffered a season-ending injury in week seven of the 1984 season.
• Slater is the only player in league history to play for one franchise in three different cities: Los Angeles, Anaheim, and St. Louis.
• He was the second player to play 20 seasons for one team, following Jim Marshall.

Unwavering Loyalty and Longevity

Slater holds the record for the most seasons played with one franchise among all offensive linemen. He is the only player in league history to play for a single team across three different cities: Los Angeles, Anaheim, and St. Louis. Drafted in 1976, he started his career on special teams before becoming the starter in 1979. His durability allowed him to share the field with legends spanning decades, from Joe Namath to Isaac Bruce. In 2001, the Pro Football Hall of Fame recognized his "work ethic and leadership skills," cementing his status as a model of consistency.

Defining Moments and On-Field Battles

Slater's career was marked by intense rivalries and statistical dominance. He helped the Rams reach Super Bowl XIV in 1979, where they lost to Pittsburgh. In 1980, his line surrendered only 29 sacks as the offense ranked second in total yards. The infamous brawl with Mark Gastineau on September 25, 1983, remains a notable moment of his fiery competitiveness.

Hall of Fame Legacy and Recognition

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001, Slater was celebrated as part of one of the most potent offensive lines in NFL history. His accolades include seven Pro Bowl selections and four NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year awards. He served as Eric Dickerson's presenter at Dickerson's 1999 Hall of Fame induction. The Rams retired his jersey number to honor his contributions, and he was recognized for breaking the record for most seasons with one team.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

After retiring in 1995, Slater worked for an ABC affiliate in Los Angeles and served as a guest coach for St. Louis Rams camps. In February 2006, Oakland Raiders head coach Art Shell hired him as offensive line coach to mentor Robert Gallery; he was released after one season. Most recently, he coached at Azusa Pacific University. His son, Matthew Slater, played college football at UCLA and was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2008. The Slaters hold a combined 17 Pro Bowl nods, making them the third most-nominated family in NFL history behind the Matthews and Manning families.