Career
He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers football. In 1941, he led all National Collegiate Athletic Association major college players with an average of 20.4 yards per punt return. After serving in the United States. Army Air Corps during World World War II, he later played professional football in the National Football League, appearing in 11 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1947 NFL season.
During his time with the Steelers, he totaled 167 rushing yards and 215 passing yards.
He also led the NFL with 435 punt return yards in 1947. In 1948, Slater retired from the NFL and was hired as the backfield coach for the North Carolina State Wolfpack football team
He was the football coach at Saint Augustine High School from 1950 to 1961.