By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
Notification Show More
Latest News
No. 11 Wisconsin stays red-hot with elusive win over Illinois, 95-74
No. 11 Wisconsin stays red-hot with elusive win over Illinois, 95-74
Game Analysis
LIV Golf explained | LIV on FOX
LIV Golf explained | LIV on FOX
Game Analysis
Shedeur Sanders might have revealed his preferred NFL team, all thanks to Madden
Shedeur Sanders might have revealed his preferred NFL team, all thanks to Madden
Game Analysis NFL
No. 14 Michigan St beats No. 13 Purdue 75-66, moves within half-game of 1st in Big Ten
No. 14 Michigan St beats No. 13 Purdue 75-66, moves within half-game of 1st in Big Ten
Game Analysis
Champions League: 10-man AC Milan eliminated, Club Brugge completes shocker
Champions League: 10-man AC Milan eliminated, Club Brugge completes shocker
Game Analysis
Aa
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Reading: Pats’ Slater, 10-time Pro Bowler, retires from NFL
Share
Aa
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Search
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
BigPaulSports > Blog > NFL > Pats’ Slater, 10-time Pro Bowler, retires from NFL
NFLSports News

Pats’ Slater, 10-time Pro Bowler, retires from NFL

BigP
Last updated: 2024/02/21 at 12:54 AM
BigP Published February 21, 2024
Share
Pats' Slater, 10-time Pro Bowler, retires from NFL
SHARE
  • Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 20, 2024, 10:47 AM ET

    Close

      Mike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots. Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. You can follow Reiss on Twitter at @MikeReiss.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Matthew Slater, who holds the NFL record for most special teams Pro Bowl appearances with 10, announced his retirement Tuesday after 16 seasons.

“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.”

A message from Matthew Slater. pic.twitter.com/diVYMtAapu

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 20, 2024

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. He wondered if he would even make the team coming out of his first training camp, a reflection of his unique role as a dedicated special teams player.

In recent years, former Patriots coach Bill Belichick had referenced Slater as the greatest to play the game in his role, saying he felt fortunate to coach who he believed were the greatest offensive (quarterback Tom Brady), defensive (linebacker Lawrence Taylor) and special teams players (Slater) in the history of the game.

“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.

Player Pro Bowls
Trent Williams 11
Matthew Slater 10
Aaron Donald 10
— ESPN Stats & Information

In a statement sent to ESPN, Belichick said Slater “deserves every accolade someone could receive. 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. … Matthew is exceedingly 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, who called his father his hero, won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and is the franchise’s all-time leader in special teams tackles.

“Dad, you blazed the trail. You set the standard. I hope I followed in those footsteps well,” Slater wrote. “It was never a burden. Only a blessing.”

He played in 239 games with the Patriots, second in team history behind Brady (285). His 25 career postseason games rank ninth-most in NFL history.

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

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.”

Slater, 38, was a team captain for 13 straight seasons, with his postgame speeches in the locker room often referred to by teammates as powerful because of how Slater — a devout Christian — would relate football to life.

“As a player, God used the game of football to instruct, discipline, encourage and develop me as a person,” Slater said.

Sponsored Content

You Might Also Like

Shedeur Sanders might have revealed his preferred NFL team, all thanks to Madden

2025 NFL franchise tag tracker: Tee Higgins leads list of candidates (again)

Will the 49ers regret paying Brock Purdy? | First Things First

Panthers re-sign QB Andy Dalton on 2-year deal to keep mentoring Bryce Young

BigP February 21, 2024
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print

Follow US

Find US on Social Medias
Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Youtube Subscribe
Telegram Follow
newsletter featurednewsletter featured

Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

    Popular News
    Former Alabama QB Sayin to transfer to Ohio St.
    NCAASports News

    Former Alabama QB Sayin to transfer to Ohio St.

    BigP BigP January 22, 2024
    Ravens OC Roman resigns amid declining results
    Did draft help set the Eagles up for another Super Bowl run?
    Ex-RB Wood sentenced to life in 5-year-old’s death
    Notable bets: Texans’ touchdown on fourth-and-20 decides $6 million survivor contest
    - Advertisement -
    Ad imageAd image

    Categories

    • Sports

    About US

    We offer information and tips on US Sports and evernts all over the world.
    Top Categories
    • Game Analysis
    • Free Picks
    • Services
    • Premium Content

    Subscribe US

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

      © Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.

      Removed from reading list

      Undo
      Welcome Back!

      Sign in to your account

      Lost your password?