From undrafted walk-on to NFL record-breaker
In short: Joey Slye’s journey through professional football is a masterclass in persistence. After being passed over in the 2018 NFL draft, he transitioned from a college walk-on at Virginia Tech to a specialist capable of breaking franchise records for both the Commanders and the New England Patriots.
Joey Slye's professional career began with significant volatility. After going unselected in the 2018 NFL draft, he faced a series of brief stints, including being released by the New York Giants just eight days after signing in May 2019. However, his resilience paid off when he joined the Carolina Panthers as a 'camp leg' in August 2019, eventually earning the starting role after Graham Gano was placed on injured reserve. He originally attended North Stafford High School in Virginia. During his time there, he earned all-state honours as both a kicker and a linebacker.
Slye has become known for his ability to strike from extreme distances, setting franchise records for the longest field goals for two different teams. For the Washington Commanders, he holds a record 61-yard field goal, achieved during an upset victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. He later surpassed his own long-distance prowess by setting a New England Patriots franchise record with a 63-yard field goal during the 2024 season. His long-distance success was highlighted by a 58-yard kick during that same 2022 victory. This performance earned him the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month award.
His career is marked by high-stakes moments and statistical shifts. In 2020, he attempted two NFL records: a 65-yarder and a 67-yarder, both of which fell short. By 2025, playing for the Tennessee Titans, he secured his first career game-winning field goal—a 29-yarder against the Arizona Cardinals. Throughout his tenure with Washington, he converted 56 of 66 field goals, a 84.8% success rate. His time with the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers preceded his move to Washington. He also spent time on the Jaguars' roster before joining the Patriots.
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