(Photo Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Matthew Slater, known for his record-breaking 10 special teams Pro Bowl appearances, announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after 16 seasons.
“I have poured my heart into respecting and honoring this game.” Slater shared in a social media post circulated by the New England Patriots. “Although it’s time for me to transition, my love for football will endure a lifetime.”
Early Career and Loyalty to the Patriots
Slater, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, was drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2008 draft from UCLA and spent his entire career with New England. His journey began with uncertainty during his rookie training camp, embodying his unique role as a devoted special teams player.
Praise from Bill Belichick and Slater’s Retirement Reflection
Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick had referenced Slater in recent years as the greatest to play the game in his role, saying he felt fortunate to coach who he believed were the greatest offensive (quarterback Tom Brady), defensive (linebacker Lawrence Taylor) and special teams players (Slater) in the history of the game.
“In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams. In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had,” Slater wrote.
Belichick, in a statement to ESPN, said “Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive. He is a once-in-a-lifetime person, and the best core special teams player in NFL history. His daily, weekly, and yearly work ethic, paved the way for his unsurpassed performance. Matthew is the finest example of what an intense competitor and human being should be. … Matthew is exceedingly kind, and supremely loved and respected by all his peers. I am one of many who feel incredibly blessed to be his teammate, coach, and friend.”
Family Legacy and Super Bowl Victories
Slater, who credited his father as his inspiration, has won three Super Bowl victories with the Patriots and holds the franchise record for special teams tackles.
“Dad, you blazed the trail. You set the standard. I hope I followed in those footsteps well,” Slater wrote. “It was never a burden. Only a blessing.”
Slater played in 239 matches with the Patriots, ranking second in team history behind Brady (285). His 25 postseason appearances throughout his career place him ninth among the most in NFL history.
Conclusion: Tribute and Gratitude
Patriots owner Robert Kraft also released a statement. “On the field, his 10 Pro Bowl appearances will likely earn him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day alongside his father. Off the field, he will be remembered for so much more. He is a role model, not just for young players, but for everyone. He is a man of integrity and high moral character who is led by his faith and committed to his family. There is no finer person than Matthew Slater. On behalf of the New England Patriots, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Matthew, in partnership with his wife Shahrzad and the entire Slater family, for his remarkable 16-year Patriots career.”
Slater, 38, was the team captain for 13 consecutive seasons. He delivered poignant postgame speeches in the locker room, which drew from his devout Christian faith to impart life lessons through football.
“As a player, God used the game of football to instruct, discipline, encourage and develop me as a person.” Slater said.
This report used information from ESPN.
