Matthew Slater, who holds the NFL record for most special teams Pro Bowl appearances with 10, announced his retirement after 16 seasons.
The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, he was selected by the New England Patriots in 2008 and spent his entire career with the team.
Slater was known for his unique role as a dedicated special teams’ player and was considered the greatest to play the game in his position by former Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
Belichick praised Slater’s work ethic and described him as once-in-a-lifetime person and the best core special teams’ player in NFL history.
In a social media post, Slater expressed his gratitude for his experience with the Patriots and the love he has for the game.
He thanked the fans of New England for their support and acknowledged the people who helped him throughout his career, including his family and the Patriots organization.
Belichick also issued a statement praising Slater’s character and impact on the teams he played for.
Slater’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Patriots, as he was a key player on their special teams’ unit for over a decade.
Belichick once compared Slater’s importance on special teams to that of Tom Brady on offense and Lawrence Taylor on defense.
Slater’s retirement is a significant loss for the team, but his legacy as one of the greatest special teams’ players in NFL history will not be forgotten.
In 2023, Matthew Slater was praised by head coach Bill Belichick for being an exceptional player who does everything needed for the team.
He is highly respected by everyone in the organization and has earned it through his dedication and leadership.
Team owner Robert Kraft and new head coach Jerod Mayo also expressed their admiration for Slater, emphasizing his integrity, faith, and commitment to his family.
His teammates thanked him for his contributions to the New England Patriots throughout his 16-year career and acknowledged his impact both on and off the field.
Slater’s teammate, Mayo, considered him a winner in life and a dear friend, and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Slater, who initially faced challenges, became one of the best special teamers in the league, earning numerous accolades and Pro Bowl selections.
His leadership and guidance were highly valued by his teammates.
In December, they honored him with custom-made hoodies, highlighting his role as a captain.
While some teammates believed Slater would excel as a coach, he remained noncommittal about his future plans.
He mentioned that his focus after football would be on his family and ensuring their success.
Slater acknowledged that at times, he had prioritized football over his family and wanted to remedy that in the next chapter of his life.
