Tedarrell Slaton Bio
Tedarrell Anthony “TJ” Slaton Jr. is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 3, 1997, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he rose through the high school ranks in Plantation before playing four seasons for the Florida Gators. Slaton entered the NFL in 2021 when the Green Bay Packers selected him in the fifth round of the draft, and he spent his first four professional seasons in Green Bay before signing with Cincinnati in March 2025.
Early Life and Background
Tedarrell Anthony Slaton Jr. was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and grew up in the surrounding South Florida community. He attended American Heritage School in nearby Plantation, where he developed into a highly regarded defensive line prospect. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, Slaton used his combination of size and athleticism to attract attention from major college programs before graduating.
At American Heritage, Slaton trained under former NFL cornerback Patrick Surtain, a coach who helped shape his early understanding of the defensive side of the game. His teammates during that period included Surtain’s son, Patrick Surtain II, and cornerback Tyson Campbell, giving Slaton a daily chance to compete against future NFL defensive backs throughout his high school years.
Path to American Football
Slaton’s high school experience at American Heritage School prepared him for the next level, and he committed to play college football at the University of Florida. The decision allowed him to remain in his home state while joining one of the most tradition-rich programs in the Southeastern Conference. His development in Plantation translated quickly into opportunities with the Gators.
Across four seasons with the Florida Gators, Slaton appeared in 45 games and made 14 starts, steadily building a resume that included 98 tackles, 3.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, one pass deflection, and one fumble recovery. His durability and production drew the attention of NFL scouts, and he declared for the 2021 draft following his college career.
Tedarrell Slaton Career
Early Career (2021)
The Green Bay Packers selected Slaton in the fifth round with the 173rd overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft on May 1, 2021. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 14, 2021, officially beginning his professional career. Slaton was listed second on the depth chart to begin the season behind veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
Slaton made his NFL debut on September 12, 2021, against the New Orleans Saints, recording two solo tackles in a 38-3 loss. He notched a half sack in the Packers’ Week 3 victory against the San Francisco 49ers and added another half sack two weeks later in a win against the Cincinnati Bengals. In a Week 7 game against the Washington Football Team, he blocked a 42-yard field goal attempt by Chris Blewitt, showcasing his ability to impact special teams and field position.
Green Bay Packers Breakthrough (2021-2024)
Slaton’s role in Green Bay grew steadily as he absorbed the responsibilities of playing alongside and behind Kenny Clark. In a Week 9 contest against the defending American Football Conference champion Kansas City Chiefs, he stepped into a larger role after Clark went down with an injury, playing most of the game in relief and producing three “stops” defined as tackles that represented a failure for the opposing offense. The performance hinted at his potential as a long-term contributor on the defensive line.
Through his four seasons with the Packers, Slaton continued to develop into a reliable rotational defensive tackle known for his size, run-defense ability, and occasional pass-rush impact. His time in Green Bay established him as a steady pro entering free agency following the 2024 season.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2025-Present)
On March 13, 2025, Slaton signed a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. The move brought him to a defensive line in need of depth and run-stopping presence, and he joined a roster aiming to compete in the AFC North.
As Slaton transitioned to Cincinnati, he brought the experience of four NFL seasons and a clear understanding of what it takes to contribute on a winning defense. The Bengals’ two-year commitment signals an investment in his continued growth as a starter or key rotational piece on the interior line.
Driving Style and Strengths
Slaton plays with the leverage and physicality of a true nose tackle, using his 6-foot-4 frame and low pad level to anchor against double teams. His strength lies in run defense and gap control, while his length and active hands allow him to disrupt passing lanes. The move to Cincinnati offers a fresh environment in which to showcase those traits on a regular basis.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Slaton’s early career highlights, his blocked 42-yard field goal attempt against the Washington Football Team in 2021 stands out as a signature special teams moment. His expanded role against the Kansas City Chiefs later that season, when he produced three stops in relief of an injured Kenny Clark, marked his emergence as a trusted piece of the Packers’ defensive rotation.
Tedarrell Slaton Career Wins
Slaton has notched a series of individual milestones since entering the NFL in 2021, though the inputs do not provide a fully verified career win total. His stat lines and game-by-game impact are documented in team records, with his most notable contributions coming during his Green Bay tenure.
NFL Highlights
During his rookie season, Slaton recorded his first two half sacks in games against the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals. His first career blocked field goal came in 2021 against Washington, a play that highlighted his awareness and effort on special teams.
Other Wins and Performances
Across his four years in Green Bay, Slaton contributed to a defensive line that consistently ranked among the NFL’s better units in run defense. He appeared in 45 games for the Florida Gators in college, building a foundation of durability that has carried into the professional ranks.
Tedarrell Slaton Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Slaton’s background is rooted in South Florida, where he grew up in Fort Lauderdale and attended American Heritage School in Plantation. The community and coaching he received in Plantation, including guidance from former NFL cornerback Patrick Surtain, played a key role in his development as a young athlete.
Personal Life
Public details about Slaton’s personal life remain limited. The verified inputs do not include information about a spouse or children, and Slaton has kept his private life largely out of the public eye as he focuses on his NFL career.
2025 Season Performance
Slaton joined the Cincinnati Bengals on March 13, 2025, signing a two-year contract that runs through the 2027 season. The deal marked a fresh start after four years in Green Bay and positioned him to compete for a meaningful role on the Bengals’ defensive interior.
The 2025 season represents Slaton’s first opportunity to establish himself within Cincinnati’s defensive scheme, working under the team’s coaching staff alongside new teammates on the defensive line. With the Bengals aiming to compete in a competitive AFC North, his ability to anchor the run defense and contribute on passing downs will be central to the team’s outlook.
As the 2025 campaign unfolds, Slaton’s experience from 45 college games and four NFL seasons gives him a strong foundation. His performance with the Bengals will help determine whether the two-year commitment evolves into a long-term partnership in Cincinnati.