The Enduring Anchor

Born on May 27, 1954, in Jackson, Mississippi, Jackie Slater forged a legendary career built on longevity and unwavering excellence. He honed his skills at Jackson State University, where he was a teammate of the iconic Walter Payton. Slater's talent was evident, earning him a third-round selection (86th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1976 NFL Draft.

**Road to the Pro Game

Slater's arrival in Los Angeles marked the beginning of an extraordinary professional journey that would span two decades. He quickly established himself as a reliable and dominant presence on the Rams' offensive line, showcasing his strength, technique, and durability.

**Football Legacy

Jackie Slater's legacy is defined by his remarkable consistency and longevity as a premier offensive tackle in the NFL. He played an astounding 20 seasons for the Rams organization, enduring the team's move from Los Angeles to St. Louis. Slater's exceptional career was punctuated by seven Pro Bowl selections, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite at his position. A testament to his impact and dedication, the Rams retired his iconic jersey number "78." One of his most notable achievements is the fact that he provided crucial blocking for seven different 1,000-yard rushers throughout his career, highlighting his ability to adapt and contribute to diverse offensive schemes. Slater's enduring excellence and consistent high level of play earned him the ultimate honor: induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2001 class. He is universally recognized as one of the greatest offensive tackles to ever play the game, a cornerstone of the Rams' success for two remarkable decades.

**Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2001)

✦ 7x Pro Bowl Selection (1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989)

✦ 2x First-team All-Pro (1986, 1987)

✦ Second-team All-Pro (1985)

✦ Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams #78 Jersey Retired

✦ Blocked for seven different 1,000-yard rushers

✦ Played in 259 NFL games over 20 seasons