The New England Patriots welcomed back their longest-tenured player. On Friday, the Patriots announced that special teams captain Matthew Slater will return to the team for his 16th season with the franchise.
Season 16 with Slater.
Patriots announce that special teams captain Matthew Slater will return this season: https://t.co/a89s7xynup
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 17, 2023
“I couldn’t be happier to learn that Matthew Slater has decided to return for his 16th season with the New England Patriots,” said New England Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft in a statement. “Matthew’s drive to be the best at what he does will one day earn him enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Yet, as stellar as his football career has been, he is an even better person. He is led by his faith and spirituality, dedicated to his family and committed to his craft. There is no better leader for our younger players to follow and no better ambassador for the Patriots organization. He is truly special, and I am grateful that his contributions to the team will continue.”
The 37-year-old Slater will embark on his 16th season in the NFL. He is a 12-time team captain, who has earned 10 Pro Bowl nods as a special teamer — the most special teams Pro Bowl honors in NFL history.
“Matt’s incredible career is a testament to his preparation and will to succeed,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said. “We are thrilled he will be playing this season.”
The NFL world reacted to the huge Patriots news on Twitter.
Another year for Matthew Slater, one of the franchise greats. https://t.co/cANByUVZe0
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 17, 2023
Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater – arguably the greatest special teams player ever – will return for a 16th season with the team in 2023.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 17, 2023
Matthew Slater is returning for a 16th season, the Patriots announce.
“We are thrilled he will be playing this season,” Bill Belichick says.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) February 17, 2023
Matthew Slater will not rest until he has covered more punts than any human being in history https://t.co/2nbh4JwqRz
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) February 17, 2023
A thought on Matthew Slater: He is still playing at a high level, as evidenced by his 12 special-teams tackles, consistent double teams drawn, and the finale when he alertly pushed a Bills player into the ball to create a turnover.
This isn’t a ceremonial return. Impact player.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) February 17, 2023
What Matthew Slater has done in the league is incredible. Carved out a HoF Kicker-length career despite playing a role that requires athleticism and has been near the top of his position for going on 16 years.
An absolute legend.
— McGarvin (@PatriotsPOV) February 17, 2023
Looks like the Matthew Slater Hall of Fame argument is getting pushed back at least one more year. https://t.co/4Z4HwMsMNf
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) February 17, 2023
The Patriots announced that star special teamer Matthew Slater is returning for his 16th season in New England. He'll turn 38 before next season and is the team's most valued leader in the locker room.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) February 17, 2023
