The New England Patriots are entering a new era without longtime head coach Bill Belichick at the helm for the 2024-25 season. They will also be without another longtime piece of their organization, as perhaps the most accredited special teamer of all time officially announced his retirement on Tuesday.
Matthew Slater made ten Pro Bowl appearances over the course of his 16-year NFL career, all with the Patriots organization. He didn’t have much of a role at all on the offensive side of the ball as a wide receiver. But when it comes to playing his role, Slater is perhaps the greatest player when it comes to kick-off coverage in NFL history.
On Tuesday, Slater announced his retirement from the NFL in a detailed message to the Patriots fanbase, thanking everyone who contributed to him getting to this point in his career.
A message from Matthew Slater. pic.twitter.com/diVYMtAapu
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 20, 2024
“I have given all that I possibly can to respect and honor the game,” Slater said in the retirement announcement. Though it is time for my relationship with the game to evolve, the love I have for it will last a lifetime.”
It’s fitting for Slater to be calling it a day on his career in the same year that Belichick departs from the organization.
While Slater’s role was obviously not as pronounced as Belichick’s in the team’s success over the years, Slater clearly meant a lot as a locker-room presence. And he will be remembered fondly by Patriots fans for years to come.
[New England Patriots on Twitter/X]
