A Story Larger Than Life
Imagine starting as a wrestler in the Ivy League, only to transform into a powerhouse SEC defensive lineman with NFL aspirations. Sounds like something out of a sports movie, right? Well, for Joey Slackman, this is reality—a journey filled with twists, relentless determination, and an unshakable drive to make a difference.
His path took a dramatic turn when he transferred from the Pennsylvania Quakers to the Florida Gators, proving that he wasn’t just here to compete—he was here to dominate. But Slackman isn’t just chasing football glory; he’s using his platform to fight for something much bigger than the game.
The Mission: #WeTackleRare
While most athletes focus solely on draft stock and Pro Day performances, Slackman is taking on an even greater challenge—advocating for the 30 million Americans affected by rare diseases.
“95% of rare diseases lack an FDA-approved treatment. I am teaming up with @UpliftingAth to change that! Join us & pledge for each rep of 225 I put up at @GatorsFB Pro Day,” Slackman announced.
With each bench press rep, he’s raising funds and awareness, hoping to ease the financial burden on families facing medical expenses that are three times higher than those without rare conditions. His campaign, backed by Uplifting Athletes, has already gained traction, with a $1,000 pledge fueling the movement.
And honestly, should we be surprised? This is exactly the kind of thing you’d expect from a guy like Slackman—determined, selfless, and built for more than just football.
A Player Built Different
When Florida head coach Billy Napier first laid eyes on Slackman, it wasn’t just his athleticism that stood out—it was his character.
“He’s very motivated and driven. The biggest compliment I can give him is when he took his official visit here. I literally had 12 to 15 players coming up to me saying, ‘Coach, we gotta get that guy.’ He checked all the boxes,” Napier recalled.
That grit and determination? It runs deep. His father, Paul Slackman, once shared a story that perfectly encapsulates Joey’s mindset.
“He had surgery a week before. He decided to go running with the sling on. He ran 8-9 miles alongside this main road down there. He had all these cars honking and waving at him. That really signifies the determination he has,” Paul said.
Now, that same relentless drive is fueling his mission to help those battling rare diseases.
95% of #rarediseases lack an FDA approved treatment. I am teaming up with @UpliftingAth to change that! Join us & pledge for each rep of 225 I put up at @GatorsFB Pro Day! #WeTackleRare https://t.co/3aKDpC4Drd pic.twitter.com/xd7gVUAcKx
— Joey Slackman (@JoeySlackman) March 13, 2025
The Unlikely Football Star
Joey Slackman never set out to be a football player. In fact, his first love was wrestling, which he pursued with the hopes of earning an Ivy League education. But life had other plans.
“When I did make the decision to switch to football, it was, you know, after a pretty difficult period of my life,” Slackman admitted.
That decision turned out to be life-changing. After a series of injuries and surgeries, football became his saving grace. And thanks to his wrestling background, he developed into a defensive menace—so much so that when he entered the transfer portal in 2023, he was ranked the sixth-best transfer option available.
His final season with the Florida Gators saw him record two solo tackles and five assists, adding to an already impressive college resume. Now, with the NFL in his sights, the question remains: Can he take his dominance to the next level?
Chasing NFL Glory—Can Slackman Be the Next Justin Watson?
The road to the NFL is never easy, especially for players who come from unconventional backgrounds. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Slackman, it’s that he thrives on defying the odds.
His journey mirrors that of former Penn standout Justin Watson, who transitioned from Ivy League talent to Super Bowl-winning NFL receiver. Could Slackman be the next breakout success story?
One thing is certain—whether it’s crushing offensive linemen or crushing barriers for those affected by rare diseases, Joey Slackman isn’t just here to play football. He’s here to leave a legacy.
His NFL dreams are within reach, but his mission to make a difference? That’s already in motion. And if history tells us anything, it’s that Joey Slackman doesn’t know the meaning of the word “can’t.”
