Rashawn Slater’s $114M Chargers Deal Sparks Ex-Wife’s Viral Defense Against Online Narrative

The Los Angeles Chargers made Rashawn Slater the NFL’s highest-paid offensive tackle in history on July 27, 2025, with a monumental four-year, $114 million contract extension featuring $92 million guaranteed. Within hours, the celebration turned contentious when NFL influencer Dov Kleinman suggested on social media that Slater strategically timed the deal after finalizing his divorce to prevent ex-wife Stassney Brown from claiming a share, adding, “A historic deal where his ex-wife won’t see a dime.” Brown swiftly countered with a viral response that reframed the conversation around Slater’s athletic achievement.

Rashawn Slater Secures Record-Breaking NFL Contract

The Chargers secured their star left tackle through 2029 with a deal averaging $28.5 million annually – the richest ever for an NFL tackle at signing. Selected 13th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Slater had just completed his rookie contract after an exceptional college career at Northwestern. The Texas-born athlete earned first-team All-District honors at Clements High School and Big Ten All-Freshman recognition before becoming a cornerstone of the Chargers’ offensive line. Slater’s football pedigree runs deep: his father, Reggie Slater, played in the NBA, and his brother, RJ, was an Air Force Academy offensive lineman. This contract cements Slater’s status among the NFL’s elite while significantly boosting his estimated net worth to $36 million according to sports financial analysts.

Stassney Brown’s Public Defense Against Social Media Claims

When Kleinman’s divorce-timing allegation gained traction online, Brown – who married Slater in March 2022 after a December 2020 engagement and finalized their divorce earlier in 2025 – issued a powerful public rebuttal. On X (formerly Twitter), she stated: “This is deplorable. I hold nothing but support for Rashawn. His contract is not about me… Please stop including me in this narrative. He deserves his moment.” Her response garnered widespread praise for its grace under pressure and emphasis on Slater’s professional milestone. Brown, a Stephen F. Austin State University graduate with a degree in Exercise Science, works professionally as a wedding photographer specializing in digital and Super 8 film. Her social media intervention shifted focus back to Slater’s on-field accomplishment amid unnecessary personal speculation.

This record-setting contract represents a career-defining achievement for Rashawn Slater, validated by his ex-wife’s dignified refusal to let personal history overshadow athletic excellence. As training camp intensifies, fans can redirect attention to Slater’s mission: protecting quarterback Justin Herbert and leading the Chargers’ playoff push this season.

Must Know

What is Rashawn Slater’s new contract value?
Slater signed a four-year, $114 million extension with the Los Angeles Chargers, including $92 million guaranteed. The deal makes him the NFL’s highest-paid offensive tackle by average annual salary ($28.5 million), as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on July 27, 2025.

How did Stassney Brown respond to the contract controversy?
Brown publicly denounced social media claims that Slater timed his contract post-divorce, calling the narrative “deplorable” via X. She emphasized support for Slater’s career success and requested exclusion from the conversation, stating: “He deserves his moment.”

When did Rashawn Slater and Stassney Brown divorce?
The couple married in March 2022 after becoming engaged in December 2020. Their divorce was finalized earlier in 2025, per public records. No specific reasons for the separation have been disclosed by either party.

What is Stassney Brown’s professional background?
Brown holds an Exercise Science degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. She works as a wedding photographer specializing in digital film and Super 8 video, as listed on her professional social media profiles.

How has the NFL community reacted to Slater’s contract?
The Chargers organization and NFL media celebrated the signing as critical for protecting franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. Teammates and analysts highlighted Slater’s consistency since his 2021 rookie season, with many calling the investment justified for a top-tier left tackle.