Chris Slade is no stranger to hard work, therefore after receiving All-State, All-Region, All-Peninsula, and All-District honors as a senior playing for Tabb High School in Yorktown, VA, Slade decided to accept an athletic scholarship to play at the University of Virginia.

Slade played at Virginia under College Hall of Fame Coach George Welsh from 1989 until 1992. During his senior season in 1992, Slade was recognized as a First Team All-American. In the 1993 NFL draft, the New England Patriots selected Slade 31^st overall. He served as linebacker for the Patriots from 1993 until 2000. Slade ended his career in 2001 as a member of the Carolina Panthers.

During his 9 seasons with the Patriots, Slade had played in 142 games and started in 108 of them. He amassed 665 tackles, recorded 53.5 sacks, forced 16 fumbles, had 2 interceptions and scored 2 TDs. After the conclusion of the 1997 season, Slade was selected to the Pro Bowl and All Pro teams. He was even recognized as a member of the New England Patriots All-1990s team.