Matthew Slater Announces Retirement After 16 Seasons

Matthew Slater Announces Retirement After 16 Seasons

New England Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater has officially retired from the NFL after 16 seasons.

“For the last 25 years of my life, 16 of them as a New England Patriot, I have been incredibly blessed to be able to emulate the man I saw on those fields in Meridian by playing the game that I love so much,” Slater wrote in a heartfelt statement. “I have given all that I possibly can to respect and honor the game. Though it is time for my relationship with the game to evolve, the love I have for it will last a lifetime.”

Matthew Slater, 38, spent the entirety of his career in New England. Winning three Super Bowls, five-time First-team All-Pro, three-time Second-team All-Pro, and 10x Pro Bowler, was part of the New England Patriots All-2010s Team and All-Dynasty Team.

Slater played collegiate football at UCLA, before being drafted by the New England Patriots in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft with the 153rd pick.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft and head coach Jerod Mayo both released statements about Slater’s retirement. Bill Belichick, the only head coach for Slater, has also released a statement.

Matthew Slater’s retirement would most likely put the player in the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, with an opportunity for the player to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

The New England Patriots are officially in a new era, as Matthew Slater was the longest-tenured member of the Patriots squad. Center and former University of Georgia product, David Andrews is now the longest-tenured player for the New England Patriots.

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