Sweet 16: Slater retires from Patriots
Special man excelled on special teams
As the Patriots proceed in a new era, they’ll be doing it without special teams captain Matthew Slater.
Slater announced his retirement Tuesday morning through the Patriots’ social media channels.
“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’s statement said in part.
“Pats Nation, it has been an honor to represent the silver, red, white, and blue for 16 years. Thank you for cheering, challenging and supporting our team each and every year. To the people of New England, thank you for welcoming my family and me into your community and allowing us to call New England home. We are beyond humbled and blessed. You the fans make an NFL player’s experience what it is. Thank you for supporting not only me but our great game.”
Slater retires as a three-time Super Bowl champion, five-time first-team All-pro, three-time second-team All-pro and 10-time Pro Bowl selection. He was named to the Patriots’ All-2010s and All-dynasty teams and earned the Bart Starr Award, given to the player who “best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community,” in 2017 and the Art Rooney Award, which is given in recognition of outstanding sportsmanship on the playing field, in 2021.
Slater was voted a team captain for 13 straight seasons.
Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick campaigned for Slater’s Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy during the 2023 season.
“Matthew Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive,” Belichick said in a statement, via ESPN. “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. He has been a great role model for the teams players & coaches that I have coached. Matthew is exceed
ingly 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.”
Slater’s retirement was expected, though he wouldn’t directly address it at the end of the 2023 season. Patriots teammates wore sweatshirts to honor Slater during their season finale against the Jets.
“I feel very appreciated by the people in the building,” Slater said before his final game. “Certainly just thankful for how everyone has treated me this week, and the thanks they’ve expressed and things like that. I’m sure it’ll be emotional Sunday for obvious reasons. But my job is to focus on playing football, and I’ve always tried to do my job. So, that’s not going
to change on Sunday.”
Slater was selected in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of UCLA in the same class as current head coach Jerod Mayo.
“Matthew’s leadership, attitude, intelligence and dedication created a professional football career that will most definitely earn him enshrinement in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Patriots Hall of Fame,” Mayo said as part of a statement.
“Matthew is a winner in football, but his accomplishments far exceed the field. He is a winner in life. I know that Matthew will continue to make profound impact on so many in his community, both personally and professionally.”
The Patriots tried Slater at wide receiver, safety and kick returner before he settled into his role as a core special-teams player. He missed just 20 games during his 16-year career and appeared in 25 playoff
games, including five Super Bowls.
He finishes his career with 191 tackles, two tackles for loss, 35 kick returns for 635 yards, two carries for 11 yards, one 46-yard catch and a touchdown on a blocked punt.
Slater was known in the Patriots’ locker room for his leadership and Christian faith. He would break down the huddle in the Patriots’ locker room after wins and was never afraid to speak out against the NFL about what he felt were injustices in regards to rule changes and player safety.
Slater’s father is Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jackie Slater, who played for the Rams from 1976-95. He was a four-time second-team All-pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection and also earned the Bart Starr award in 1996.
“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,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said of Slater in a statement. “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.”
Prior to Slater’s career, former-bill Steve Tasker was widely regarded as the best special teams coverage player in NFL history. Belichick said he would put Slater in the Hall of Fame ahead of Tasker.
“I think Slater’s done more than Tasker,” Belichick said during the 2023 season. “I respect Tasker, but I honestly don’t think he’s done more.”
Former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady commented on the team’s Instagram post with hearts
and the message, “one of a kind.”
Retired Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman and Slater’s former roommate, posted a tribute on Instagram, saying, “THE Patriot. We always talk about the Patriot way. But Slater lived it. He picked me up when I needed it, and challenged me when I needed it. Without him I wouldn’t have been half the player or half the man I am today. Congrats on the HOF career Slate. Love you bubs. #Captain.”
Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, James White, Joe Cardona, Justin Bethel, Kendrick Bourne, Rob Gronkowski, Mack Wilson, Sebastian Vollmer, Jonnu Smith, Isaiah Bolden, Matt Cassel, Daniel Ekuale, Donte Stallworth, Chris Board, Davon Godchaux, Josh Uche and Adrian Phillips were among current and former Patriots players to release tributes to Slater on social channels.