NFL icon Tom Brady shared a heartwarming message for former teammate Matthew Slater after the New England Patriots special teams player announced his retirement.
Slater is calling it a career after 16 seasons, though it isn’t a surprise since he was thinking about retirement in 2022 before deciding to return for the 2023 campaign. The Patriots even honored Slater in Week 18 by wearing “Captain 18” hoodies pre-game.
Matthew Slater’s New England Patriots Retirement
Slater confirmed his retirement in a statement released by the Patriots, in which he thanked the team and the fan base for the continued support throughout the ups and downs in his career,
“Pats Nation, it has been an honor to represent the silver, red, white and blue for 16 years. Thank you for cheering, challenging and supporting our team each and every year,” Slater wrote.
“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. Thank you for supporting not only me but our great game.”
Slater also made sure to mention the influence of his dad, Pro Football Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, to him. Slater highlighted that his father “blazed the trail” and “set the standard” for him.
Tom Brady’s Beautiful Message for Former New England Patriots Teammate
For his part, Tom Brady took to his Instagram story to congratulate his former New England Patriots teammate for an incredible career.
Brady and Matthew Slater played together from 2008 until the quarterback’s departure in 2019, winning three Super Bowls in the process. More than their partnership on the field, TB12 showed his appreciation for Slater’s kindness off it.
“A true champion. The best teammate and an even better man. Congratulations on the perfect career,” Brady wrote alongside a photo of him and Slater with the Patriots.
Tom Brady's reaction to Matthew Slater's retirement ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zMhRQQxlCq
— Kit Guinhawa (@BeatKit22) February 20, 2024
It’s a well-deserved praise for Slater, who has been a great leader and contributor for the Patriots through the years. As he embarks on a new journey after his NFL career, he can definitely rest assured that Brady will remain his biggest fan.
For what it’s worth, former Patriots coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft had nothing but praises for the special teams player, with Belichick even calling Slater the “best core special teams player in NFL history.”
What a career for Slater, indeed.
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