Kicker Faces Random Drug Test After Record-Setting 63-Yard Kick

The New England Patriots had a lot of changes going into the 2024 NFL season, chief among them being the departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick. Although the team’s 1-3 start is disheartening, it makes sense considering the situation. But kicker Joey Slye‘s outstanding performance in their most recent game against the San Francisco 49ers was a plus.

Slye’s incredible 63-yard field goal, which set a team record and put New England on the scoreboard, came just seconds before halftime with the Patriots trailing 20-0. The league may have wanted to make sure Slye’s exceptional performance was not an isolated incident, as he disclosed on Instagram the day following this accomplishment that he was chosen for a random PED test.

2024 marks Slye’s first year with the Patriots after spending three seasons with the Washington Commanders. He had previously been a player for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Carolina Panthers, where he started his career in 2019. Slye has scored a total of 28 points this season with an excellent field goal percentage of 88.9 and a flawless extra-point percentage.

One of the main topics of conversation as the Patriots continue their difficult season is the quarterback situation. Fans are whispering that rookie Drake Maye should get a chance even though Jacoby Brissett is the current starter. Head coach Jerod Mayo reiterated the team’s dedication to Brissett going forward in spite of this.

The Patriots will largely depend on Slye’s contributions as the season progresses and hope to pick up steam in the upcoming weeks.