Matthew Slater Officially Retires from the NFL
Story
"I have given all that I possibly can to respect and honor the game," Slater wrote in a social media post shared by the New England Patriots. "Though it is time for my relationship with the game to evolve, the love I have for it will last a lifetime."
Matthew Slater has officially retired from the NFL. He holds the NFL record for most special team Super Bowl appearances with 10. He has played for 16 seasons.
If you go a bit deep into it, you’ll find something.
Bill Belichick has coached the best offensive player ever (Tom Brady). He’s coached the best defensive player ever (Lawrence Taylor). He’s also coached the best special teams player ever (Mr. Slater).
There isn’t an argument for any of these claims. So, don’t debate with me over this.
Slater, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, was selected by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2008 draft out of UCLA and spent his entire career with New England.
"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.
Slater won 3 Super Bowls with the Patriots and is the franchise’s all-time leader in special teams tackles. He played in 239 games with the Patriots, which only trails Tom Brady (285). He’s also played in 25 playoff games, which, if you didn’t know, rank 9TH in NFL HISTORY.
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."