Position: Guard / Center Name Matt Slauson Spouse Cami Slauson College: Nebraska Weight 143 kg | High school: Sweet Home (OR) Height 1.96 m Role American football guard | |
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Date of birth: (1986-02-18) February 18, 1986 (age 29) NFL draft: 2009 / Round: 6 / Pick: 193 Current team Chicago Bears (#68 / Guard) Similar People Jermon Bushrod, Will Montgomery, Vladimir Ducasse, Kyle Long, Hroniss Grasu | ||
Place of birth: Sweet Home, Oregon Children Montgomery James Slauson | ||
Husker Tackles Off-The-Field Challenge Head-On
Matthew Benjamin Slauson (born February 18, 1986) is an American football center for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska.
Contents
- Husker Tackles Off The Field Challenge Head On
- New York Jets
- Chicago Bears
- San Diego Los Angeles Chargers
- Personal life
- References
New York Jets
The New York Jets selected Slauson with their sixth round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Jets offensive line coach Bill Callahan previously coached Slauson at Nebraska and considered him versatile, athletic, and durable. Slauson was signed to a four-year deal by the team in May. Slauson would appear in three regular season games in 2009 playing at the guard and center positions respectively.
Following the team's selection of Vladimir Ducasse in the 2010 NBFL Draft, the Jets would release veteran guard Alan Faneca. During the team's training camp sessions, Slauson battled Ducasse to replace Faneca. On September 9, 2010, Slauson would be named the team's starting left guard.
Slauson became the subject of criticism after utilizing a cut block against Brian Cushing that resulted in Cushing tearing his ACL on October 8, 2012. The play was considered legal by USA Today as both were within three yards of the line of scrimmage where an offensive lineman is allowed to low block a defensive player; the Houston Chronicle contended that the block itself was legal but the location of the block was not. Cushing, when asked about the play, stated "It's football. It's part of the game...it happened to me, and I've been on the other side of that, so I know how it goes." Slauson was fined $10,000 by the league after they determined that he used an illegal peel-back block.
Chicago Bears
On March 29, 2013, Slauson signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears. On January 2, 2014, Slauson was re-signed by the Bears to a four-year contract. On January 24, Slauson was named to the USA Today All-Joe Team.
In 2014, against the New England Patriots, Slauson tore his right pectoral muscle, and was ruled out for the rest of the season. On April 7, 2015, Slauson was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award.
On May 1, 2016, Slauson was released by the Bears.
San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers
Slauson signed a two-year contract with the San Diego Chargers on May 7, 2016.
Personal life
Slauson was born in Cincinnati, OH to Nancy and Robert Slauson and attended and played football at Colerain High School before graduating from Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. From a young age, Slauson was diagnosed with stuttering, a speech disorder that occurs primarily when he is placed in unfamiliar situations. Slauson has two other brothers, Nick and Chris, as well as a sister, Alli.
Slauson is married to Cami, and the couple have a son, Montgomery James.
Slauson is a nephew of Jim Thurber, known best for his appearances on Discovery's TV show "Gold Rush".