FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Matthew Slater, who holds the NFL report for many particular groups Professional Bowl appearances with 10, introduced his retirement Tuesday after 16 seasons.
“I’ve given all that I probably can to respect and honor the sport,” Slater wrote in a social media put up shared by the New England Patriots. “Although it’s time for my relationship with the sport to evolve, the love I’ve for it’ll final a lifetime.”
A message from Matthew Slater. pic.twitter.com/diVYMtAapu
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 20, 2024
Slater, the son of Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Jackie Slater, was chosen by the Patriots within the fifth spherical of the 2008 draft out of UCLA and spent his total profession with New England. He puzzled if he would even make the crew popping out of his first coaching camp, a mirrored image of his distinctive position as a devoted particular groups participant.
In recent times, former Patriots coach Invoice Belichick had referenced Slater as the best to play the sport in his position, saying he felt lucky to educate who he believed have been the best offensive (quarterback Tom Brady), defensive (linebacker Lawrence Taylor) and particular groups gamers (Slater) within the historical past of the sport.
“In 2008, I got here right here as a younger man with hopes and goals. In 2024, I can retire realizing this expertise has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had,” Slater wrote.
PlayerPro BowlsTrent Williams11Matthew Slater10Aaron Donald10– ESPN Stats & Info
In a press release despatched to ESPN, Belichick stated Slater “deserves each accolade somebody may obtain. He’s a as soon as in a lifetime individual, and the perfect core particular groups participant in NFL historical past. His day by day, weekly, and yearly work ethic, paved the way in which for his unsurpassed efficiency. Matthew is the best instance of what an intense competitor and human being must be. … Matthew is exceedingly form, and supremely liked and revered by all his friends. I’m one in every of many who really feel extremely blessed to be his teammate, coach, and buddy.”
Slater, who known as his father his hero, gained three Tremendous Bowls with the Patriots and is the franchise’s all-time chief in particular groups tackles.
“Dad, you blazed the path. You set the usual. I hope I adopted in these footsteps properly,” Slater wrote. “It was by no means a burden. Solely a blessing.”
He performed in 239 video games with the Patriots, second in crew historical past behind Brady (285). His 25 profession postseason video games rank ninth-most in NFL historical past.
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Patriots proprietor Robert Kraft additionally launched a press release: “On the sector, his 10 Professional Bowl appearances will possible earn him a spot within the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame in the future alongside his father. Off the sector, he will likely be remembered for a lot extra. He’s a job mannequin, not only for younger gamers, however for everybody. He’s a person of integrity and excessive ethical character who’s led by his religion and dedicated to his household. There isn’t a finer individual than Matthew Slater. On behalf of the New England Patriots, I wish to specific our deepest gratitude to Matthew, in partnership together with his spouse Shahrzad and your entire Slater household, for his outstanding 16-year Patriots profession.”
Slater, 38, was a crew captain for 13 straight seasons, together with his postgame speeches within the locker room typically referred to by teammates as highly effective due to how Slater — a religious Christian — would relate soccer to life.
“As a participant, God used the sport of soccer to instruct, self-discipline, encourage and develop me as an individual,” Slater stated.
