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HBCU Football: 10 of the best players of all time

By Dante Pryor

Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) scrambles out of the pocket during the game against the Jaguars at Alltell Stadium in Jacksonville Dec. 22, 2002. The Titans defeated their AFC South foe 28-10.021222 B
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) scrambles out of the pocket during the game against the Jaguars at Alltell Stadium in Jacksonville Dec. 22, 2002. The Titans defeated their AFC South foe 28-10.021222 B /
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CINCINNATI – SEPTEMBER 23: Offensive lineman, Jackie Slater #78 of the Los Angeles Rams, blocks against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium on September 23, 1984, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI – SEPTEMBER 23: Offensive lineman, Jackie Slater #78 of the Los Angeles Rams, blocks against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium on September 23, 1984, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

7. Jackie Slater, OT, Jackson State

Offensive tackle Jackie Slater is one of three members of Jackson State’s great 1974 team in the NFL Hall of Fame. During his high school years, Slater was the first member of his family to attend a desegregated school in Jackson, Miss.

While playing at Wingfield High School, Slater caught the attention of future teammate Walter Payton who recruited Slater to play at Jackson State. It was Payton that Slater credits with showing him how to compete in practice.

Slater was selected as a SWAC all-star for three consecutive years. As impressive as Slater’s collegiate career was, his tenure with the Los Angeles Rams is one of the most impressive of any in football history.

Slater is the only player to play for one franchise in three different cities (Los Angeles, Anaheim, and St. Louis). Before Tom Brady and Darrell Green, Slater was the first player to spend 20 seasons with one team.

Most famously, Slater led an offensive line that blocked for Eric Dickerson on his way to the rookie rushing record in 1983 and his 2,000-yard season the following year.

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