By Darin Duke Slater was a force of nature as a two-way tackle for the Iowa Hawkeyes, earning All-American honors. His significance transcends his on-field dominance; Slater became a crucial figure in breaking racial barriers in the early NFL, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Rock Island Independents and the Chicago Cardinals. A true pioneer, his legacy is celebrated in two different Halls of Fame.
Football Bio
December 9, 1898 – Duke Slater, the legendary tackle from Iowa, was born. Slater was an All-American as a two-way tackle with the Hawkeyes. Duke Slater was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. He had a great career in the NFL, playing on both lines with the Rock Island Independents and the Chicago Cardinals.
He broke racial barriers in the early NFL as an African-American player and was among the top athletes in the game. The Pro Football Hall of Fame selected Duke Slater to join their legends in 2020.
Conclusion
The Chicago Sun Times circa 1921
Duke Slater was an athlete ahead of his time, achieving gridiron greatness at every level. He was a dominant, two-way tackle at Iowa, earning him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. More importantly, he maintained a stellar professional career during a period of segregation, serving as one of the few African-American players in the early NFL. His sustained excellence and barrier-breaking role were finally given their due recognition when he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
Duke Slater: Career Accomplishments
- Birth Date: December 9, 1898.
- College: University of Iowa (Tackle).
- College Accolades: All-American two-way tackle with the Hawkeyes.
- NFL Teams: Rock Island Independents and Chicago Cardinals.
- NFL Role: Played on both the offensive and defensive lines.
- Legacy: Broke racial barriers as an African-American player in the early NFL.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1951.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2020.
