It is the end of an era for the Patriots and at Gillette Stadium.
New England Patriots special teamer Matthew Slater announced that he is calling it quits on Tuesday after 16 seasons and three Super Bowl victories with the team.
The 38-year-old looked back on his Hall of Fame-worthy career in an extended statement released through the Patriots. It began and ended with nods to his father, former Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Jackie Slater, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
Matthew Slater recalled the experience of visiting his grandparents in the south, Meridian, Mississippi, every summer and watching his father train tirelessly, pushing himself to the limits, at a local high school during those trips.
“For the last 25 years of my life, 16 of them as a New England Patriot, I have been incredibly blessed to be able to emulate the man I saw on those fields in Meridian by playing the game that I love so much,” Slater wrote. “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.”
The Patriots selected Slater in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of UCLA. Brought in as a wide receiver, he instead flourished as one of the NFL’s best special teams players. His impact was felt right off the bat, as he returned 11 kicks for 155 yards and recorded 12 tackles in 14 games during his rookie season.
Embed from Getty ImagesSlater, a 10-time Pro Bowler, earned two first-team All-Pro nods over his career (five All-Pro selections overall). He spent 13 years as a captain for the Patriots, leading to his reputation as a leader and an irreplaceable locker room presence.
“In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams,” he wrote. “In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had.”
Prior to New England’s Week 18 season finale against the New York Jets last month, Patriots players honored Slater by donning hoodies inscribed with his accomplishments and his jersey number.
Slater’s emotional and heartfelt statement went on to detail that his experience was made possible by his loved ones and his support system.
“My story in football is not my own,” Slater added. “I have been supported by hundreds of people along the way. I would like to take the opportunity to thank some of them now.”
He offered gratitude to his mother, his wife and his children, all usual names to mention. However, he did not stop there, thanking teachers, mentors, pastors, agents, physical therapists, athletic trainers, public relations staff, custodial staff, football staff and more.
Slater specifically thanked legendary Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who recently vouched for Slater’s unique case to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Patriots CEO and owner Robert Kraft echoed that sentiment in a statement released by the Patriots: “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.”
Finally, Slater thanked the fans.
“Pats Nation, it has been an honor to represent the silver, red, white, and blue for 16 years,” he wrote. “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.”
