Jackie Slater

Big Bad Jackie: Rams legend and Hall of Fame offensive tackle

Jackie Ray Slater (born May 27, 1954), nicknamed "Big Bad Jackie", is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle for 20 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played his entire career with the Rams franchise: 19 seasons in Los Angeles, from 1976 to 1994, and one game in St. Louis in 1995.

Quick Facts

Position: Offensive tackle
Born: 27 May 1954
Birthplace: Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
Draft year: 1976
Draft round: 3
Draft pick: 86
High school: Wingfield (Jackson)
College: Jackson State (1972–1975)

Lore & Background

Slater holds the record amongst all offensive linemen who have played the most seasons with one franchise. 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.

Reader's Guide

Slater was most recently the offensive line coach at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. His son, Matthew Slater, is a former special teams player for the New England Patriots.

Did You Know?

Slater was voted the NFL Players Association's NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year four times: 1983, 1986, 1987, and 1989.
He played in 259 games from 1976 to 1995, a then-record for offensive linemen.

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.