New England Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater has announced his retirement from the NFL, wrapping up a remarkable 16-season journey.
The three-time Super Bowl champion leaves behind a legacy defined by his outstanding impact on special teams. Notably, Slater holds the NFL record for special teams players, boasting an impressive 10 Pro Bowl selections.
Matthew Slater, aged 38, exits the game after participating in 264 matches, encompassing regular season and playoff encounters, with the Patriots spanning from 2008 to 2023. His duration with the team ranks him second in games played, trailing only the iconic Tom Brady, who amassed 326 games with the franchise.
Sharing his gratitude and reflections on social media, Slater expressed,
“I have given all that I possibly can to respect and honor the game. Though it is time for my relationship with the game to evolve, the love I have for it will last a lifetime.”
Slater’s retirement decision coincides with the departure of his longtime head coach, Bill Belichick, who parted ways with the Patriots last month.
In response to Slater’s retirement, Belichick issued a statement lauding the special teams captain, declaring,
“Matthew 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.”
Belichick continued,
“Matthew is the finest example of what an intense competitor and human being should be. He has been a great role model for the teams (players & coaches) that I have coached. 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.”
Initially drafted as a wide receiver in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, Slater swiftly transitioned to special teams, demonstrating his versatility.
Throughout the years, he intermittently took on the role of kick returner from 2008 to 2016, amassing an impressive 191 tackles in kick and punt coverage.
Reflecting on his journey, Slater shared,
“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.”
