Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Joey Slye is an American professional football player who plays as a placekicker for the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 10, 1996, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Slye has established himself as an experienced NFL kicker after playing college football at Virginia Tech.
Beyond football, Joey Slye is a husband, father, and younger brother whose family has played an important role in shaping his personal life and professional career.
He is married to Brittaney Slye, a doctor of physical therapy. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Palmer Memphis Slye, on November 1, 2024.
His parents are David and Laura Slye. His older brother, Andrew John “A.J.” Slye, died from leukemia in February 2014, a tragedy that profoundly influenced Joey’s life.
Since his brother’s death, Slye has dedicated much of his charitable work to helping families affected by cancer through the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation.
Joey Slye’s Wife: Who Is Brittaney Slye?
Joey Slye is married to Brittaney Slye, formerly known as Brittaney Nealis.
The couple married in April 2023 after knowing each other for many years.
Their relationship was confirmed in an August 2024 interview published by the New England Patriots, where Slye discussed married life and preparing to welcome their first child.
According to the Patriots, Brittaney had been Joey’s childhood crush during their middle school years.
Although they knew each other when they were younger, their romantic relationship developed later.
The couple maintained their relationship while Joey pursued his professional football career, which involved playing for several NFL organizations.
His career required frequent moves and periods of separation, making stability an important consideration for their growing family.
When Did Joey Slye and Brittaney Get Married?
Joey Slye and Brittaney Nealis married in April 2023.
Their wedding took place in Charleston, South Carolina, according to reporting published by Sports Illustrated.
The ceremony marked an important milestone in their relationship after several years together.
At the time, Joey was playing for the Washington Commanders, where he had established himself as the team’s primary kicker.
Following their marriage, Brittaney continued supporting his NFL career while pursuing her own professional interests.
The couple subsequently welcomed their first child in November 2024.
What Does Brittaney Slye Do for a Living?
Brittaney Slye has a professional background in physical therapy.
According to Sports Illustrated and EssentiallySports, she attended Colonial Forge High School in Stafford, Virginia, before enrolling at Virginia Tech.
She graduated from Virginia Tech in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition, foods, and exercise.
Brittaney subsequently attended Marymount University, where she completed a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2021.
She later worked in physical therapy and sports rehabilitation.
Her academic and professional background reflects an interest in health, physical performance, and rehabilitation.
Although her educational achievements have been publicly reported, details about her current employment have not been independently verified.
Joey Slye’s Children
Joey Slye is the father of a daughter named Palmer Memphis Slye.
His daughter’s birth was officially confirmed by the New England Patriots and is documented in his Tennessee Titans player biography.
Palmer Memphis Slye – Joey Slye’s Daughter
Palmer Memphis Slye was born on November 1, 2024.
She is the first child of Joey Slye and his wife, Brittaney.
Her birth represented an emotional milestone for the couple, particularly because they had previously experienced difficulties while trying to start a family.
In a November 29, 2024, interview with the New England Patriots, Joey explained that Brittaney discovered she was pregnant in February 2024.
The discovery occurred on the tenth anniversary of his older brother A.J.’s death.
The timing carried deep personal meaning for the family.
When their daughter was born, Joey and Brittaney chose the name Palmer Memphis to honor her late uncle.
Why Did Joey Slye Name His Daughter Palmer Memphis?
Joey and Brittaney chose their daughter’s middle name, Memphis, as a tribute to Joey’s late brother, Andrew John Slye.
A.J. received treatment for leukemia at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, before his death in February 2014.
According to the Patriots, the couple wanted their daughter’s name to preserve a connection to A.J.’s life and memory.
Palmer’s birth was especially meaningful because Brittaney had discovered she was pregnant on the anniversary of A.J.’s passing.
The name represents a continuing connection between the family’s past and its next generation.
There is no reliable public confirmation that Joey and Brittaney have welcomed additional children.
Joey Slye’s Parents
Joey Slye was born to David P. Slye and Laura B. Slye.
Both parents are identified in his official Tennessee Titans and Virginia Tech football biographies.
They raised Joey and his older brother A.J. in a military family that moved frequently before settling in Stafford County, Virginia.
David Slye – Joey Slye’s Father
David P. Slye is Joey Slye’s father and a former member of the United States military.
His military career required the family to relocate several times during Joey’s childhood.
According to the Tennessee Titans, the family lived in New Mexico, California, and Montana before eventually settling in Virginia.
Because they frequently moved, Joey and his older brother developed an especially close relationship.
The two brothers often relied on each other for friendship while adjusting to new schools and communities.
David also supported his sons’ involvement in competitive sports.
Both boys developed interests in football, particularly while attending North Stafford High School.
After A.J. was diagnosed with leukemia, the family faced an extended period of hospital visits, treatment, and emotional challenges.
David and Laura subsequently became involved in charitable initiatives honoring their older son’s memory.
Their efforts eventually contributed to the establishment of the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation.
Laura Slye – Joey Slye’s Mother
Laura B. Slye is Joey Slye’s mother.
Her identity is confirmed in official Virginia Tech records and the Tennessee Titans’ player biography.
Laura raised Joey and A.J. while their family moved across different states because of David’s military career.
She remained an important source of support throughout Joey’s childhood and professional football journey.
In reporting published by InsideNoVa, Joey described returning to his parents’ home in Stafford County after signing with the Washington Commanders in 2021.
At the time, he had experienced considerable uncertainty while moving between NFL organizations.
Living with his parents allowed him to enjoy familiar surroundings while continuing his professional career.
Laura helped with everyday responsibilities, including preparing meals and doing laundry.
The experience provided Joey with an opportunity to spend time with his parents after several years of traveling for football.
Laura and David have also remained connected to their older son’s legacy through charitable activities supporting families affected by cancer.
Joey Slye’s Siblings
Joey Slye had one sibling, an older brother named Andrew John Slye, commonly known as A.J.
The New England Patriots confirmed that the two brothers had no other siblings.
A.J. was approximately two and a half years older than Joey.
Andrew John “A.J.” Slye – Older Brother
Andrew John Slye was Joey Slye’s older brother and one of the most influential people in his life.
A.J. attended North Stafford High School in Stafford, Virginia, where he became an accomplished football player.
He played linebacker and served as a team captain.
According to his obituary published by The Free Lance-Star in March 2014, A.J. graduated from North Stafford in 2012 and subsequently enrolled at Salisbury University in Maryland.
He intended to continue playing competitive football while pursuing his education.
However, his college career was interrupted by a serious illness.
What Happened to Joey Slye’s Brother?
During his first year at Salisbury University, A.J. began experiencing neck and back pain.
After undergoing medical examinations, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a form of blood cancer.
He subsequently underwent extensive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and a bone marrow transplant.
Despite the family’s efforts and medical treatment, A.J. died on February 27, 2014, at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
He was 20 years old.
Joey was 17 at the time and preparing to finish high school.
The loss profoundly affected him because the brothers had spent most of their childhood playing sports together.
In an interview published by the Tennessee Titans in July 2025, Joey explained that honoring his brother’s memory remains a major motivation in his life.
He has continued speaking publicly about A.J.’s experience to raise awareness about childhood cancer and support other families facing similar situations.
How A.J. Slye Influenced Joey’s Football Career
A.J. played an important role in developing Joey’s love of sports.
The brothers frequently participated in football activities together while growing up.
According to a 2019 Charlotte Observer feature, they even held kicking competitions in their backyard using a tree as an improvised goalpost.
Both later played football at North Stafford High School.
A.J. was a linebacker who wore jersey number 6, which subsequently became an important symbol in Joey’s professional career.
Joey has a tattoo on his right shoulder depicting the brothers during the last time they played football together in high school.
He has also raised six fingers toward the sky after successful kicks to honor A.J.’s memory.
These gestures demonstrate how closely Joey connects his football achievements to his late brother.
The SlyeStrong#6 Foundation
The Slye family established the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation to preserve A.J.’s memory and support people affected by cancer.
The number 6 represents the jersey number A.J. wore during his high school football career.
According to the New England Patriots, the foundation emerged from discussions between family members and friends approximately one year after A.J.’s death.
The organization supports hospitals, patients, and families navigating cancer diagnoses.
It also organizes fundraising activities and provides educational scholarships to young people.
The Patriots reported that the foundation awards six scholarships worth $2,000 each annually.
Five scholarships recognize students who demonstrate positive qualities in academics, athletics, and community involvement.
The sixth supports a student affected by cancer.
In addition to the foundation’s work, Joey has participated in hospital visits and other charitable events during his NFL career.
He has supported initiatives connected to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
During the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign, Slye has used his football platform to highlight his brother’s legacy and encourage awareness of childhood cancer.
Joey Slye’s Childhood and Family Background
Joseph David Slye was born on April 10, 1996, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
His childhood involved several family relocations because of his father’s military career.
The family eventually settled in Stafford, Virginia, where Joey attended North Stafford High School.
He developed into a talented multisport athlete, participating in football, soccer, and track and field.
During high school, he earned all-state recognition as a kicker and linebacker.
He also competed in shot put and discus, receiving all-state honors in both events.
In soccer, he helped his team win a state championship.
Following high school, Slye enrolled at Virginia Tech, where he became a placekicker for the Hokies.
He played four seasons from 2014 through 2017 and developed into one of the program’s most productive kickers.
Across his college career, he converted 78 field goals and 169 extra-point attempts.
He graduated from Virginia Tech in December 2017 with a degree in human nutrition, foods, and exercise.
Joey Slye’s NFL Career and Family Motivation
After completing his college football career, Joey Slye pursued opportunities in the NFL.
He signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in May 2019 but was released shortly afterward.
He subsequently joined the Carolina Panthers, where he made his NFL regular-season debut during the 2019 season.
After two seasons with Carolina, Slye played for several teams, including the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots.
His professional career required frequent moves and created uncertainty for him and his family.
In August 2024, Slye discussed how important securing the Patriots’ kicking job had become because Brittaney was pregnant with their first child.
He explained that professional stability would make it easier for the couple to prepare for parenthood.
Following the birth of Palmer Memphis in November 2024, Slye continued connecting his professional achievements to his family responsibilities.
In March 2025, he signed with the Tennessee Titans.
During his first season in Tennessee, he converted 28 of 35 field-goal attempts and established a franchise record with nine successful field goals from at least 50 yards.
On March 13, 2026, the Titans re-signed him to a one-year contract.
His career has given him opportunities to support his wife and daughter while continuing the charitable work inspired by his late brother.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joey Slye’s Family
Who is Joey Slye’s wife?
Joey Slye’s wife is Brittaney Slye, formerly Brittaney Nealis. She has a professional background in physical therapy.
When did Joey Slye get married?
Joey Slye and Brittaney married in April 2023 in Charleston, South Carolina.
Does Joey Slye have children?
Yes. Joey Slye has a daughter named Palmer Memphis Slye, born on November 1, 2024.
Why is Joey Slye’s daughter named Memphis?
Her middle name honors Joey’s late brother A.J., who received leukemia treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Who is Joey Slye’s father?
His father is David P. Slye, a former member of the United States military whose career required the family to relocate during Joey’s childhood.
Who is Joey Slye’s mother?
His mother is Laura B. Slye, who raised Joey and his older brother A.J. and remained an important source of family support.
Does Joey Slye have siblings?
Joey Slye had one older brother, Andrew John “A.J.” Slye, who died from leukemia in February 2014.
What happened to Joey Slye’s brother?
A.J. Slye was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia while attending Salisbury University. He died on February 27, 2014, at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, aged 20.
Why does Joey Slye honor number 6?
His brother A.J. wore jersey number 6 during high school football. Joey honors him through the number, his celebrations, and the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation.
What is the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation?
The SlyeStrong#6 Foundation is a charitable organization established by the Slye family in memory of A.J. It supports families affected by cancer, hospital initiatives, and educational scholarships.
Where was Joey Slye born?
Joey Slye was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on April 10, 1996.
Where did Joey Slye play college football?
He played college football at Virginia Tech from 2014 through 2017.
When did Joey Slye join the Tennessee Titans?
Joey Slye signed with the Tennessee Titans in March 2025 and agreed to a new one-year contract in March 2026.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
