Joseph David Slye Bio
Joseph David Slye is an American professional football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 10, 1996, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Slye played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Over his career, he has developed a reputation as a reliable leg with impressive range, setting franchise records for longest field goal with multiple teams. Slye has been a member of eight NFL franchises, demonstrating his ability to compete for roster spots throughout his professional journey.
Early Life and Background
Slye was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but he grew up in Stafford, Virginia, where he attended North Stafford High School. At North Stafford, Slye played both football and baseball, excelling as both a kicker and a linebacker on the football field. His standout performances earned him all-state honors in both positions during his high school career. His dual-threat ability as both a kicker and a defensive player showcased his athletic versatility at a young age.
Despite receiving scholarship offers from multiple college programs, Slye made a notable decision to walk on at Virginia Tech instead of accepting a scholarship from James Madison University. This choice demonstrated his confidence in his abilities and his desire to compete at the highest level of college football. At Virginia Tech, he developed into one of the ACC’s most reliable kickers during his four seasons with the Hokies from 2014 to 2017.
Path to Professional Football
During his collegiate career at Virginia Tech, Slye established himself as a consistent performer for the Hokies. He connected on 78 of 108 field goal attempts, translating to a 72.2 percent success rate, while also converting 169 of 172 extra point attempts at a 98.3 percent rate. His strong leg and reliability earned him recognition, as he was named Third-team All-ACC in 2016. These statistics highlighted his potential as a professional prospect despite not being heavily featured in draft projections.
After completing his college career in 2017, Slye entered the 2018 NFL draft but went unselected by any team. Following the draft, he participated in a tryout for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and received interest from the Cleveland Browns, though he was not signed by either franchise. Rather than giving up on his NFL dreams, Slye continued to work toward earning an opportunity at the professional level.
Joseph David Slye Career
Early Career (2019)
Slye signed his first NFL contract with the New York Giants on May 6, 2019, but was released just eight days later. He was re-signed by the Giants on July 24 but was waived once more before the season began. Despite these initial setbacks, Slye continued pursuing his NFL career with determination. On August 1, 2019, he signed with the Carolina Panthers, originally joining as a camp leg competing for a roster spot during training camp.
During the preseason with Carolina, Slye made seven of eight field goal attempts, including three kicks from beyond 50 yards. His strong leg and consistency earned him the starting kicker role after Graham Gano was placed on injured reserve. Slye made his NFL debut on September 8, 2019, against the Los Angeles Rams. Although he missed his first career field goal attempt from 53 yards, he recovered to make his next two attempts from 46 and 52 yards while converting all three extra point attempts in the game.
Carolina Panthers Breakthrough (2019–2020)
Slye emerged as a rising talent during his rookie season with the Panthers. In Week 4 of the 2019 season, he earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after going 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, including a 55-yarder, in a game against the Houston Texans. He finished his rookie campaign connecting on 25 of 32 field goal attempts (78.1%) and 31 of 35 extra points (88.6%). His performance established him as a legitimate NFL kicker after going undrafted just months earlier.
The Panthers signed Slye to a one-year contract extension in February 2020, rewarding his strong rookie season. During the 2020 season, he made a career-high five field goals on five attempts in a 21–16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. That season also featured two notable record-breaking field goal attempts. In Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints, Slye attempted an NFL record 65-yard field goal with 1:55 remaining in the fourth quarter, though the kick fell short by inches in a 27–24 loss. Two weeks later against the Kansas City Chiefs, he attempted a 67-yard field goal as time expired, which also missed, resulting in a 33–31 defeat. He finished the 2020 season converting 29 of 36 field goal attempts and 33 of 36 extra points. The Panthers released Slye on August 28, 2021, after acquiring Ryan Santoso.
Journeyman Years (2021)
Following his release from Carolina, Slye signed with the Houston Texans on September 7, 2021, joining their practice squad. Four days later, he was elevated to the active roster due to an injury to starting kicker Kaʻimi Fairbairn. In three games with the Texans, he connected on 4 of 5 field goal attempts and 7 of 8 extra point attempts before being waived on September 30. On October 5, 2021, Slye signed with the San Francisco 49ers after an injury to Robbie Gould. He was waived on November 2 following Gould’s return from injury.
Washington Football Team / Commanders Era (2021–2023)
Slye signed with the Washington Football Team on November 9, 2021, marking the beginning of his most sustained NFL tenure. During Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks, he suffered a hamstring injury after a blocked extra point attempt and was placed on injured reserve the following day. He was activated off injured reserve on December 25, finishing the 2021 season connecting on 23 of 25 field goal attempts and 18 of 22 extra point attempts across his three teams that year.
Washington placed a restricted free agent tender on Slye in March 2022, and he agreed to a two-year contract worth approximately $5 million on April 11. The 2022 season proved to be his best professional year. During Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Slye delivered a standout performance in Washington’s 32–21 upset victory, making all four field goal attempts, including a career-long 58-yarder and another from 55 yards, earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He was later named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November 2022 after scoring 37 points while going 10-for-10 on field goals and 7-for-8 on extra points. He finished the 2022 season converting 25 of 30 field goal attempts and 24 of 28 extra points.
In Week 8 of the 2023 season, Slye set a Commanders franchise record for the longest field goal made at 61 yards. He finished the 2023 season converting 19 of 24 field goal attempts and 32 of 35 extra point attempts. His time with Washington concluded after the 2023 season, during which he established himself as one of the league’s stronger-legged kickers.
Recent Teams (2024)
On March 18, 2024, Slye signed a one-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, he was released on April 30 after the Jaguars selected Cam Little in the NFL draft. On May 2, 2024, he signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. During the preseason, Slye won the starting job over incumbent kicker Chad Ryland, who was released at the final roster cutdown. During Week 4, he set a Patriots franchise record for the longest field goal at 63 yards, marking a new career high. He finished the 2024 season converting 26 of 33 field goal attempts and 25 of 26 extra point attempts.
Tennessee Titans Era (2025–Present)
On March 24, 2025, Slye signed with the Tennessee Titans, bringing his career total to eight NFL franchises. In Week 5, he delivered his first career game-winning field goal, a 29-yarder against the Arizona Cardinals in a 22–21 comeback victory. He finished the 2025 season converting 28 of 35 field goal attempts and 26 of 27 extra point attempts for 110 total points. On March 13, 2026, Slye re-signed with the Titans on a one-year, $2 million contract.
Driving Style and Strengths
Slye has built his NFL career on his exceptional leg strength and ability to make long-distance field goals. His range stands out as a primary asset, as evidenced by his franchise records with both the Commanders (61 yards) and Patriots (63 yards). He has demonstrated the ability to convert clutch kicks in high-pressure situations, including multiple game-winning field goal attempts throughout his career. His power also translates to touchback production, where he consistently ranks among the league leaders in kickoffs. Teams value his competitive nature and ability to bounce back from missed attempts, maintaining confidence in his leg throughout games and seasons.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Slye has been involved in several historic moments related to long field goal attempts. During the 2020 season with Carolina, he attempted an NFL record 65-yard field goal against the Saints and followed it with a 67-yard attempt against the Chiefs, both falling just short. His 61-yard field goal with Washington in 2023 and 63-yard kick with New England in 2024 represent his successful conversions from extreme range. Other notable honors include NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 4 of 2019, NFC Special Teams Player of the Week again in 2022, and NFC Special Teams Player of the Month in November 2022.
Joseph David Slye Career Wins
Across his NFL career from 2019 to 2025, Slye has established himself as a productive starting kicker capable of handling field goals and extra points at a high level. His career totals reflect consistent performance across multiple teams and seasons, with his touchback ability adding value on kickoffs.
NFL Career Highlights
In the NFL as of the 2025 season, Slye has made 175 field goals in 215 attempts for an 81.4 percent success rate, with a career-long field goal of 63 yards. He has also converted 189 of 209 extra point attempts at 90.4 percent, totaling 714 career points. His best statistical season came in 2025 with the Titans, where he scored 110 points while connecting on 28 of 35 field goals and 26 of 27 extra points. His most prolific season for field goals came with Washington in 2022, when he made 25 of 30 attempts, including a career-long 58-yarder against Philadelphia.
College Career Highlights
At Virginia Tech from 2014 to 2017, Slye made 78 of 108 field goal attempts and 169 of 172 extra point attempts. He earned Third-team All-ACC honors in 2016, his junior season. His consistency at Virginia Tech, particularly on extra points at 98.3 percent, laid the foundation for his professional career and demonstrated the reliability that has kept him in the NFL for multiple seasons.
| Competition Level | Years | Field Goals Made | Field Goals Attempted | Field Goal % | Extra Points Made | Extra Points Attempted | Extra Point % | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College (Virginia Tech) | 2014–2017 | 78 | 108 | 72.2% | 169 | 172 | 98.3% | 403 |
| NFL (Career through 2025) | 2019–2025 | 175 | 215 | 81.4% | 189 | 209 | 90.4% | 714 |
Joseph David Slye Family
Family Background and Early Influences
Slye grew up in Stafford, Virginia, after being born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He attended North Stafford High School, where his athletic abilities as both a kicker and linebacker earned him all-state recognition. His decision to walk on at Virginia Tech rather than accept a scholarship elsewhere reflected the competitive drive and self-confidence that characterized his approach to football from an early age.
Personal Life
Specific details about Slye’s personal life, including marital status or children, are not publicly available. He maintains a presence on social media platforms including Instagram, where he connects with fans of his career. As a professional athlete with extensive travel requirements across multiple teams, he has navigated the challenges of constant relocation throughout his NFL career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Slye’s NFL career as he joined the Tennessee Titans in March. The Titans sought to upgrade their kicking game after previous seasons of inconsistency, and Slye’s track record of leg strength and reliability made him an attractive addition. His performance during the offseason and training camp earned him the starting role heading into the regular season.
A defining moment came in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals when Slye delivered his first career game-winning field goal. Facing a 22–21 comeback situation, he successfully converted a 29-yard field goal to secure the victory. This milestone represented a meaningful achievement in his career, as previous game-winning opportunities, including several attempts during his Panthers tenure, had not resulted in victories. The moment provided a tangible measure of his clutch performance ability that teams had long valued.
Slye finished the 2025 season with 28 field goals made in 35 attempts and 26 extra points made in 27 attempts, accumulating 110 total points. His leg strength remained evident throughout the season, with multiple attempts from 50 yards or beyond. The Titans’ confidence in his abilities was reinforced when they re-signed him to a one-year, $2 million contract in March 2026, ensuring he would return as their starting kicker for the 2026 campaign.