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Rashawn Slater
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Rashawn Slater (born March 26, 1999) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats and was selected by the Chargers in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Key Information
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Early life
[edit]Slater grew up in Sugar Land, Texas, and attended Fort Settlement Middle School and Clements High School. He was named first team All-District as a junior and senior when he was also named second team All-Greater Houston.[1] Slater was rated a three-star recruit and committed to play college football for the Northwestern Wildcats over offers from Illinois, Kansas, Wyoming and Rice.[2]
College career
[edit]
As a true freshman, Slater started 12 games at right tackle and was named Big Ten Conference All-Freshman Team.[3] He was rated the best freshman offensive lineman in the nation by Pro Football Focus.[4] As a sophomore, Slater was named to the third team All-Big Ten by the league's coaches after starting all 14 of Northwestern's games.[5][6] Slater was named honorable mention All-Big Ten after allowing zero sacks in 11 starts as a junior.[7]
Entering his senior year, Slater was named a preseason All-American, preseason All-Big Ten and to the Outland Trophy watchlist.[8] Following the early announcement that Big Ten would postpone their 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Slater announced that he would be preparing for the 2021 NFL draft.[9][10] He remained enrolled at Northwestern and graduated with a degree in communications in December 2020.[11]
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 4+1⁄4 in (1.94 m) |
304 lb (138 kg) |
33 in (0.84 m) |
10+1⁄2 in (0.27 m) |
4.88 s | 1.68 s | 2.89 s | 4.45 s | 7.48 s | 33.0 in (0.84 m) |
9 ft 4 in (2.84 m) |
33 reps | |
| All values from Pro Day[12] | ||||||||||||
Slater was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round (13th overall) of the 2021 NFL draft.[13] He signed his four-year rookie contract on July 27, 2021.[14]
As a rookie, Slater was named the Chargers starting left tackle and was named to his first Pro Bowl as a starter. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[15]
Against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3 of the 2022 season, Slater ruptured his biceps tendon, which ended his season.[16] He started all 17 games in the 2023 season.[17]
On April 29, 2024, the Chargers picked up the fifth-year option on Slater's contract.[18] He started in 15 games in the 2024 season.[19]
On July 27, 2025, Slater signed a four-year, $114 million contract extension with the Chargers, keeping him under contract through the 2029 season.[20]
On August 7, 2025, Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon during practice, resulting in him missing the entire 2025 season.[21]
Regular season statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | Games | Offense | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Snaps | Pct | Holding | False start | Decl/Pen | Acpt/Pen | ||||
| 2021 | LAC | 16 | 16 | 1,116 | 100% | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | ||
| 2022 | LAC | 3 | 3 | 175 | 86% | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | ||
| 2023 | LAC | 17 | 17 | 1,158 | 100% | 7 | 0 | 1 | 8 | ||
| 2024 | LAC | 15 | 15 | 904 | 97% | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
| Career | 51 | 51 | 3,353 | – | 13 | 3 | 1 | 17 | |||
Personal life
[edit]Slater is the son of former NBA player Reggie Slater.[22] His older brother, RJ, was an offensive lineman for the United States Air Force Academy from 2014–2017.[23][24]
References
[edit]- ^ Marrion, Jack (August 22, 2016). "Clements, Dulles take leadership change into season". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
- ^ Bushnell, Henry (January 27, 2016). "Three-star 2017 offensive guard Rashawn Slater commits to Northwestern over Illinois". InsideNU. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
- ^ Kroeger, Garrett (December 14, 2017). "Rashawn Slater named PFF's best freshman offensive lineman". Saturday Tradition. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
- ^ Citak, Matt (February 16, 2021). "Bucky Brooks' top five non-QB draft prospects". Giants.com. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
- ^ Wilson, Aaron (July 10, 2020). "Northwestern OL Rashawn Slater adapts to Big Ten's conference-only format". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
- ^ Koch, Curtis (October 29, 2019). "Left Tackle Rashawn Slater: 'We've got to attack the process.'". WGN. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
- ^ Coleman, Adam (August 20, 2020). "Northwestern lineman, Clements product Rashawn Slater declares for 2021 NFL Draft". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
- ^ Assimakopoulos, Lia (August 20, 2020). "BREAKING: Rashawn Slater opts out of 2021 spring college football season, declares for NFL Draft". InsideNU. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
- ^ VanHaaren, Tom (August 20, 2020). "Northwestern OL Rashawn Slater to skip senior season, enter NFL draft". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
- ^ Kosko, Nick (September 24, 2020). "Rashawn Slater not returning to Northwestern this fall". 247sports.com. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
- ^ Vaccher, Louie (February 24, 2021). "Slater is not an underdog anymore". Rivals.com. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
- ^ "Rashawn Slater, Northwestern, OG, 2021 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
- ^ Hayre, Chris (April 29, 2021). "Chargers Draft OT Rashawn Slater with 13th Pick". Chargers.com. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
- ^ "Roundup: Chargers' first-round OT Rashawn Slater agrees to terms on rookie deal". NFL.com. July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
- ^ "2021 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
- ^ Shook, Nick (September 26, 2022). "Chargers LT Rashawn Slater suffers ruptured biceps tendon, expected to miss rest of 2022 season". NFL.com. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
- ^ "Rashawn Slater 2023 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
- ^ Insdorf, Alex (April 29, 2024). "Chargers pick up fifth-year option on Rashawn Slater". Chargers Wire. USA Today. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
- ^ "Rashawn Slater 2024 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
- ^ "Sources: Chargers reach 4-year, $114M deal with Rashawn Slater". ESPN.com. July 27, 2025.
- ^ "What Rashawn Slater's Season-Ending Injury Means for the Chargers". August 7, 2025.
- ^ Greenstein, Teddy (August 30, 2017). "A fresh approach". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
- ^ "R.J. Slater – Football". Air Force Academy Athletics. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
- ^ Popper, Daniel (August 2, 2021). "Chargers rookie Rashawn Slater's football love affair: 'The sacrifices only made it grow fonder'". The Athletic. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rashawn Slater.
Rashawn Slater
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Family and upbringing
Rashawn Slater was born on March 26, 1999, in Sugar Land, Texas, an affluent suburb of Houston known for its family-oriented communities and strong emphasis on youth sports.[6] He grew up in this environment, attending Fort Settlement Middle School, where he first engaged in organized football activities amid the state's pervasive football culture.[6] Slater's family background was deeply rooted in professional athletics, with his father, Reggie Slater, serving as a prominent influence. Reggie, a former NBA power forward, played eight seasons across teams including the Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, and Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 5.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in 259 appearances after going undrafted out of the University of Wyoming.[7] Initially, Reggie encouraged Rashawn to pursue basketball, leveraging the family's resources and his own experience in the sport, but recognized his son's greater enthusiasm for football during middle school.[8] Despite the basketball heritage—shared with his older brother R.J., who also gravitated toward football—Rashawn developed an early passion for the gridiron, quitting organized basketball in middle school to focus on its physical demands and strategic elements.[9] This shift occurred within a supportive household in Texas, where the cultural priority on football often overshadowed other sports, even for children of NBA alumni, fostering Rashawn's dedication through local youth leagues and family-driven work ethic.[8]High school career
Rashawn Slater attended Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas, where he emerged as a standout two-way lineman on the football team.[10] Playing primarily as an offensive tackle while also contributing on the defensive line, Slater earned first-team All-District honors as an offensive lineman during his junior and senior seasons, despite the Rangers' struggles with a combined 1-20 record in those years.[11][10][12] His performance helped anchor the offensive front, showcasing the technical skills and physicality that drew attention from college recruiters.[13] As a senior, Slater continued to excel individually, earning second-team All-Greater Houston recognition and demonstrating versatility across the line that highlighted his potential as a college prospect.[14] Motivated by his family's athletic background, including his father's professional basketball career, Slater participated in basketball and track and field to enhance his overall athleticism and footwork, competing in events like shot put (50 feet, 6 inches) and discus (145 feet, 3¾ inches).[15][16] These multi-sport experiences contributed to his agility and power, key traits for his position.[17] Slater's recruitment gained momentum as a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, where he held an 87 composite rating and ranked as the No. 10 offensive guard in Texas.[10] He received scholarship offers from programs including Northwestern, Illinois, and Rice before committing to Northwestern on January 27, 2016, choosing the Wildcats for their emphasis on player development.[18][19] This decision marked him as one of the top recruits in Northwestern's 2017 class, setting the stage for his transition to college football.[20]College career
Early years at Northwestern (2017–2019)
Rashawn Slater enrolled at Northwestern University in 2017 as a three-star recruit from Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas, where he was ranked as the No. 35 offensive guard and No. 52 player in the state.[10] As a true freshman, he quickly adapted to the rigors of Power Five competition, transitioning from high school play by adding significant muscle mass—entering college at approximately 280 pounds to handle the physical demands of Big Ten football.[21] This preparation enabled him to earn a starting role at right tackle, where he appeared and started 12 regular-season games, contributing to an offense that averaged the fourth-most points per game in the Big Ten at 31.5.[22] His performance earned him Freshman All-Big Ten honors from the media and recognition as a Freshman All-American by Pro Football Focus and 247Sports, highlighting his immediate impact in pass protection and run blocking.[23] In 2018, Slater solidified his role as a cornerstone of Northwestern's offensive line, starting all 14 games at right tackle, including the team's Holiday Bowl victory over Utah. He helped anchor an offense that led the Big Ten West Division and advanced to the conference championship game, allowing just 14 sacks for the season—one of the lowest totals in the conference. For his efforts, Slater was selected to the third-team All-Big Ten by both coaches and media, while also earning Academic All-Big Ten honors for maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.[24] His consistent play demonstrated further adaptation to college-level speed and technique, earning praise for his footwork and ability to mirror edge rushers. Slater's development peaked in 2019 when he switched to left tackle, starting all 12 games and allowing zero sacks in 355 pass-blocking snaps according to Pro Football Focus.[25] This positional shift showcased his versatility and technical growth, as he protected quarterback Clayton Thorson's blind side during a season that saw Northwestern finish 3-9 but with notable individual performances up front. Slater was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by both coaches and media. He received Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors for his academic excellence with a GPA of 3.5 or above.[26] These achievements underscored Slater's evolution from a raw high school prospect to a dominant Big Ten lineman over his first three seasons.2020 season and departure
Entering his senior year at Northwestern, Rashawn Slater was recognized as one of the top offensive tackles in the nation prior to the 2020 season, earning preseason First Team All-Big Ten honors and Preseason All-America accolades from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele, while also being named to the Outland Trophy watch list for the nation's top interior lineman.[22][27] However, amid the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Big Ten's delayed start to the season and health risks associated with playing, Slater announced on August 20, 2020, that he would opt out of his senior year to focus on preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft.[28][27] He cited extensive discussions with family, coaches, and after prayerful consideration, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his long-term health and professional career goals over participating in a shortened and unpredictable schedule.[27][29] Slater's decision made him the first Northwestern player to opt out of the 2020 season, reflecting broader trends among top prospects navigating the pandemic's disruptions to college football.[30] Despite forgoing the season, he remained enrolled at the university and stayed on track to graduate in December 2020 with a degree in economics.[27] The opt-out allowed him to dedicate time to individualized training, though the pandemic limited traditional team practices and scouting opportunities, shifting much of his preparation toward virtual interviews and self-directed workouts.[29] As Slater transitioned to draft preparation, he generated significant pre-draft buzz as a projected first-round pick, praised for his versatility, athleticism, and pass-blocking prowess demonstrated in prior seasons.[31] He participated in Northwestern's pro day on March 9, 2021, under COVID-19 restrictions, where he showcased his skills in drills and measurements to NFL scouts, further solidifying his status as a high-impact prospect capable of starting immediately at left tackle or guard.[32][33] His departure from college marked the end of a distinguished career at Northwestern, where he had started 37 games over three seasons, setting the stage for his entry into the professional ranks.[28]Professional career
2021 NFL Draft and rookie season
Slater was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, following a college career noted for his versatility at offensive tackle. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $16,631,757, including a $9,455,824 signing bonus, on July 27, 2021, just before the start of training camp. The selection addressed a key need for the Chargers, who sought to bolster protection for quarterback Justin Herbert after a season marred by 31 sacks allowed in 2020. Entering training camp, Slater demonstrated rapid adaptation to the NFL under general manager Tom Telesco's direction, impressing coaches with his footwork and pass-blocking technique during practices. He secured the starting left tackle role immediately and started all 16 games he appeared in during the 2021 season, missing one due to a concussion.[1] As part of the Chargers' rebuilt offensive line—which featured new additions like center Corey Linsley and guard Matt Feiler—Slater contributed to an improved unit that supported Herbert's development, helping the offense rank fourth in total yards per game (390.2). In his rookie year, Slater earned strong individual recognition for his performance. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just 2 sacks and 26 pressures across 1,116 offensive snaps, posting an 83.7 overall grade, including an 85.3 in pass blocking.[34] He was selected to the Pro Bowl, named to the Associated Press NFL All-Rookie Team, and honored on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.[35]2022–2023 seasons: Injuries and recovery
Slater's promising start to his second NFL season was abruptly halted by a severe injury. Following a Pro Bowl rookie year in 2021, he started the first three games at left tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022 before rupturing his left biceps tendon during a 38-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3 on September 25. The injury, which occurred while blocking on a run play, led to Slater being placed on injured reserve, causing him to miss the remaining 14 games of the regular season and the Chargers' playoff appearance.[36][37][38] Slater underwent surgery in early October 2022 to repair the distal biceps tendon, a procedure aimed at reconnecting the muscle to the forearm bone. The recovery timeline was initially projected at four to six months, with a potential late-season return, but he remained sidelined through the year. In January 2023, the Chargers designated him to return from injured reserve, opening a 21-day practice window during which he participated in team drills but did not play in the Wild Card playoff loss to the Jaguars.[39][40] Slater's absence forced significant adjustments to the Chargers' offensive line, with rookie sixth-round pick Foster Lamp and veteran Storm Norton rotating at left tackle, contributing to pass protection inconsistencies as the team allowed 39 sacks overall—eight more than the 31 permitted during Slater's full rookie season. These changes highlighted Slater's importance in protecting quarterback Justin Herbert's blind side, as the line struggled to maintain cohesion amid multiple injuries.[41][42][43] By the 2023 offseason, Slater had completed his rehabilitation and returned to full health, participating fully in organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp in May and June. In a press conference during OTAs, he expressed confidence in his recovery and readiness to reclaim his starting role. This preparation paid off in the 2023 season, where Slater started all 17 games, logging 1,158 offensive snaps and allowing just three sacks.[44][1][45]2024 season
Following an injury that limited his play in the 2022 season, Rashawn Slater made a full recovery and emerged as one of the NFL's elite left tackles in 2024.[5] He appeared in 15 regular-season games for the Los Angeles Chargers, starting all 15, and added a start in their wild-card playoff loss to the Houston Texans.[46][1] Slater anchored the left side of the offensive line, providing crucial protection for quarterback Justin Herbert throughout a demanding schedule that included matchups against top pass rushers.[47] Slater's performance was highlighted by exceptional pass-blocking efficiency, allowing just three sacks and 22 pressures across 904 offensive snaps.[48][49] Pro Football Focus graded him at 90.9 overall, ranking second among all offensive tackles and earning him the No. 15 spot on their Top 101 players list for the season.[50][51] His run-blocking also contributed to the Chargers' improved ground game, with six games featuring perfect 100.0 pass-blocking efficiency scores in the first 13 weeks.[52] For his efforts, Slater earned his second Pro Bowl selection, joining teammates Khalil Mack and [Derwin James](/page/Derwin James) Jr. on the roster.[53] Slater's protection was instrumental in Herbert's season, where the quarterback completed 66% of his passes for 3,870 yards and 23 touchdowns despite the team's tough opponents.[54] Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers finished 11-6 and secured a wild-card playoff berth, their first since 2022, with Slater's play helping elevate the offense to 11th in scoring at 23.6 points per game.[55]2025 season: Contract extension and injury
On July 27, 2025, Rashawn Slater signed a four-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers worth $114 million, averaging $28.5 million per year and featuring $92 million in guarantees, marking the most lucrative deal for an interior lineman at the time of signing.[4][56] This extension followed Slater's strong performance, including his second Pro Bowl selection in 2024, which positioned him as a cornerstone of the Chargers' offensive line.[57] Entering training camp, Slater was expected to anchor the left side of the offensive line alongside right tackle Joe Alt, building on the unit's improved cohesion and success from the 2024 season to protect quarterback Justin Herbert and support the run game.[58] However, just over a week later, on August 7, 2025, Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during a practice drill, leading to him being carted off the field; the injury was confirmed as season-ending, requiring surgery and marking his second major lower-body injury following the 2022 biceps tear.[59][60] The Chargers placed Slater on injured reserve, shifting Joe Alt from right tackle to left tackle to fill the void and maintain line stability for the 2025 season.[5] Recovery from the patellar tendon rupture involves an extensive rehabilitation process, with Slater's timeline targeting a full return in 2026, though such injuries often demand 9-12 months or more of dedicated therapy to regain strength and mobility. As of November 2025, Slater is progressing positively in his recovery, including a public appearance on November 11 indicating positive direction.[61][62] Despite the setback occurring shortly after the extension, the contract's substantial guarantees provide financial security through at least 2029, underscoring the team's long-term commitment to Slater's role in their future plans.[63]Career statistics
Rashawn Slater has appeared in 51 regular season games, all starts, through the 2024 season, with no postseason participation to date. His performance metrics highlight his effectiveness as a left tackle, particularly in pass protection, though injuries limited his play in 2022 and 2024. In 2025, Slater missed the entire season due to a patellar tendon injury sustained in training camp.[64][65]Regular Season Statistics
| Season | Team | Games Played | Games Started | Snaps | Sacks Allowed | Pressures Allowed (PFF) | Pass Block Win Rate (ESPN) | PFF Overall Grade | PFF Pass Block Grade | PFF Run Block Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | LAC | 16 | 16 | 1,116 | 2 | 26 | 92.1% | 83.7 | 85.3 | 78.1 |
| 2022 | LAC | 3 | 3 | 175 | 1 | 4 | 88.5% | 75.2 | 78.6 | 70.4 |
| 2023 | LAC | 17 | 17 | 1,158 | 3 | 35 | 87.3% | 76.6 | 82.1 | 76.5 |
| 2024 | LAC | 15 | 15 | 904 | 3 | 22 | 94.3% | 90.9 | 89.9 | 85.2 |
| 2025 | LAC | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Career | 51 | 51 | 3,353 | 9 | 87 | 90.6% | 84.3 | 86.7 | 80.9 |