A revelation has surfaced from Patriots HC Jerod Mayo’s recent Saturday press conference. He shared that Matthew Slater would serve as his advisor for ‘all things football’ for the upcoming season.
They shared professional journey seems to come full circle since their inauguration in 2008. Mayo’s confidence in Slater resonated profoundly.
In his own words, he accounts Slater as not just a football advisor, but also for off-the-field matters.
Jerod Mayo on Matthew Slater serving as advisor with Patriots: "I know he is a guy that will be honest with me. Once you put the head coach hat on, it is hard to find people that are honest with you."https://t.co/znlszmVVpD pic.twitter.com/7BZudWqaKq
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 12, 2024
As a head coach, finding individuals who will provide honest feedback is a rarity.
Mayo believes that Slater is one such person, adding that they share a similar view on most things leading to an honest exchange of ideas, significantly benefiting the team’s strategies.
“Yeah, Slate is on the staff, and I am happy about that,” Mayo said, via the team transcript. “You know, we came in together in 2008. Who ever would have thought, I always joke with him, like when we were in that room for rookie minicamp, that he would have a gold jacket one day? And hopefully he does get that gold jacket. But, he is an advisor for me on all things football, and honestly, the things off the field. He is a very smart individual, and I would say we see most things the same way. And at the same time, I know he is a guy that will be honest with me. Once you put the head coach hat on, it is hard to find people that are honest with you.”
The duo’s journey would be incomplete without mentioning when they were freshly drafted in 2008. Mayo, picked tenth by New England.
He exemplified his impeccable skills by marking his presence in two Pro Bowls and bagging one All-Pro honor and the esteemed Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Slater, despite being picked 143 slots after Mayo, didn’t take time to prove his worth. He was known for his consistent performance in Pro Bowls.
especially from 2011 to 2015, consecutively making it to the Pro Bowls and etching a spot in the Patriots’ hall of fame.
