For more than a decade, Matthew Slater was unanimously regarded as the emotional centerpiece of the New England Patriots’ locker room, amassing a reputation as one of the league’s most accomplished special teams performers.
After 16 seasons in the NFL, he feels it’s time to retire.
Slater announced his retirement on Tuesday in a message posted on the team’s website and social media sites, stating that he has “given all that I possibly can to respect and honour 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 stated in the letter. “I came here as a young man, full of hope and dreams. In 2024, I’ll be able to retire knowing that this experience has exceeded all of my hopes and dreams.”
A fifth-round draft pick out of UCLA by New England in 2008 and the son of Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, he was unashamedly open about his Christian faith while maturing into the embodiment of Bill Belichick’s “Patriot Way,” team-first ethos.
Slater was named special teams captain 13 times, won three Super Bowl rings, was selected to ten Pro Bowls, and received two All-Pro honours.
From 2018 to 2022, he did not miss any games. His 264 games with the Patriots are second in franchise history, trailing only Tom Brady’s 326.
In December, Belichick spoke highly of Slater’s contributions to the team, emphasizing his exceptional qualities such as leadership, work ethic, guidance, and motivation. He regarded Slater as a standout figure in these aspects.
Team owner Robert Kraft expressed his belief that Slater’s career would eventually lead to induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, drawing parallels to his father’s legacy. Kraft highlighted Slater’s impact both on and off the field, emphasizing his instrumental role in the team’s success and positive influence on others.
In response to the announcement, Slater’s teammates, including Brady, shared their well wishes on social media, acknowledging his unique character and contributions to the team.
Despite his penchant for citing Bible verses, Slater was known for his fierce competitiveness and unofficial role as the team’s spokesperson.
Slater attributed his approach to the sport to his upbringing, particularly his observations of his father’s dedication to his craft during visits to Mississippi. He fondly recalled accompanying his father to training sessions under the scorching sun, admiring his relentless commitment to the game.
Reflecting on those memories, Slater cherished the simple yet profound moments spent with his father, whose dedication to football left a lasting impression on him.