The end of preseason is upon us for NFL training camps, and by Tuesday afternoon, each team will have its 53-man roster for the 2025 season. There will be some disappointed former Virginia Tech players who will be cut from camp, but a spot on a practice squad is likely in the cards.
For one former Virginia Tech player, kicker Joey Slye, is suiting up for another team in 2025, the Tennessee Titans. Last season for the New England Patriots, he drilled a franchise-record 63-yard field goal against the San Francisco 49ers in California and made a couple of game-winning field goals against the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, which cost New England the top pick in this past April's NFL Draft.
By now, the league knows that Slye has a big leg, and in the Titans' final preseason game, he put it on display, and head coach Brian Callahan was more than impressed and praised the former Hokies kicker.
Former Virginia Tech kicker Joey Slye draws praise from the Tennessee Titans head coach
Tennessee closed out its preseason slate against the Minnesota Vikings with a 23-13 victory at home, and Slye did what he continues to do each season: he showed off his booming leg. He drilled a 63-yard field goal against the Vikings. He was a perfect 3-for-3 in the game and also made kicks from 30 and 53 yards, along with both of his extra points. Callahan was impressed.
“That’s real range right there," Callahan said. "I mean, that was an impressive kick. I think it hit the net, too. So he had some room to spare on it. That’s a weapon.”
Despite bouncing around to several teams recently, Slye continues to make difficult kicks and it wouldn't be surprising to see him be the difference maker again this season for the Titans.