The New England Patriots seem to be officially entering a new era after having coach Bill Belichick leave and elevating Jerod Mayo as their new coach. It is more than the staff as the roster is changing as on Tuesday morning, wide receiver Matthew Slater officially announced his retirement after spending 16 seasons with the Patriots.
However, one of the captains of the New England Patriots did not play much on the offensive side of the ball, instead becoming a special teams superstar. Slater would go on and be a two-time All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl Champion. There is a chance that in a handful of seasons we will be hearing his name in Canton, Ohio as a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
To put it in perspective, Slater made the Pro Bowl 10 times since 2011 and only San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams has made more Pro Bowls in that stretch.
While discussing his career with WBZ-TV’s Steve Burton ahead of Patriots GameDay for Week 18 last season, Matthew Slater reflected on his career.
“It’s been a blessing. When I think about my experience here, it was so unexpected. The way my college career went, I didn’t know what opportunity I would have to play at the next level – if I’d have one at all. Getting here, I didn’t have a position. They just told me that I was going to be playing special teams.’
Congratulations on an incredible career to Matthew Slater as he begins day one of his retirement.
How will the New England Patriots look without Matthew Slater?
Matthew Slater has been one of the most significant special teams players in this era of the NFL. He has not been a return man as he has not returned a kick of any kind since 2016. However, he has been dominating throughout his career and will be a massive loss for the team with his direction and ability.
The Patriots are going to struggle throughout the 2024 NFL season but there is going to need to be someone on the special teams side of things to step up and replicate Slater’s leadership.
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