In 1976, Jackie Slater, like many rookies reporting to their first NFL training camp, held a lofty personal goal. His objective was, "to become the best offensive tackle in the history of the game." But his more immediate goal, he confessed, "was just to make the team."

Obviously, Slater did more than just make the team. He went on to become the mainstay of the Rams' offensive line for two decades. His 259 regular-season games played, at the time of his retirement, were the most ever by an offensive lineman, and his 20 seasons with one team is an NFL record.

Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round, Slater knew he had a real chance to play in the pros. His raw talent, size, and speed made him a perfect pick for Coach Chuck Knox's Rams. Under Knox's watchful eye, he would have time to mature and move to the next level.

Slater served what he called "a good apprenticeship" for three years backing up linemen Doug France and John Williams. His apprenticeship ended, however, in 1979 when he stepped in and started every game at right tackle. That year the Rams made their first Super Bowl appearance.

The following season, Slater, fully entrenched as a starter, was a key component of an offensive line that surrendered just 29 sacks and helped the Rams' offense finish second in the NFL in total yards gained with 6,006. Although in just his second season as a starter, pundits were already referring to Jackie as "overlooked" when post-season honors were announced.

It wasn't until 1983 that he finally was named to his first of seven Pro Bowls. That season, Slater and his offensive line mates demonstrated their power and versatility. Together they allowed a league-low 23 quarterback sacks while also paving the way for Eric Dickerson's rookie rushing record of 1,808 yards.

After a great start in 1984, a knee injury put Jackie on the injured reserve list after just seven games. He returned to full form in 1985, and from that season on, the honors and accolades seemed automatic.

Twenty-four different quarterbacks and 37 different running backs played behind the powerful lineman during his Hall of Fame career. A terrific drive blocker, Slater blocked for seven different 1,000-yard rushers. He also blocked in 107 games in which a runner gained 100 yards or more.

He was a quality pass blocker as well. Twenty-seven times Rams quarterbacks threw for 300 yards or more in a game with Jackie in the lineup.

A veteran of 18 playoff games, including five NFC championship games and Super Bowl XIV, Slater was a model of consistent, superlative play. Three times USA Today named him Lineman of the Year. And, as late as 1992, his seventeenth year in the league, he was named the Rams' Most Valuable Player.

The late Walter Payton summed up his evaluation of Jackie Slater by saying, "Of all the people I played with or against, he'd be one of the first three I'd pick if I were starting a team."