Duke Slater's jersey

History Published on : 11/21/2008

"Duke" Slater played in the National Football League from 1922-1931 during a time in which only 13 African-Americans sporadically appeared on NFL rosters.  The vintage year for black players during this period was 1923 when six African-Americans played in the 20 team league. 

There were no black players in the NFL from 1934 through 1945.  It was the 1940s and early 1950s that saw many of pro football's teams reintegrate.  Six members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame served as "trail blazers" during this era. 

A jersey worn by "Duke" Slater as a member of the Chicago Cardinals (1926-1931) is on display in Pro Football's African-American Pioneers exhibit.

 Click here to read more about Pro Football's African-American Pioneers>>>