It is the end of the road for yet another long-tenured player on the New England Patriots.
Matthew Slater, who made 10 Pro Bowls with the Patriots as a special teamer, has announced his retirement after 16 seasons.
“Pats Nation, it has been an honor to represent the silver, red, white, and blue for 16 years,” Slater wrote. “Thank you for cheering, challenging, and supporting our team each and every year. 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,” Slater added. “You the fans make the NFL experience what it is. Thank you for supporting not only me but our great game.”
The 38-year-old was a fifth-round pick in the 2008 draft. He played 239 games for New England, becoming a 10-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro, and three-time second-team All-Pro. Slater won three Super Bowls with the Patriots — XLIX over the Seahawks, LI over the Falcons, and LIII over the Rams.
Although he is listed as a wide receiver, he only ended up catching one pass over his 16-year career, but he made such an impact on special teams that that former coach Bill Belichick once called him “just about the perfect player.”
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Slater is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman Jackie Slater. The elder Slater made seven Pro Bowls and is in the Rams ring of honor.
Slater played 239 games in New England, second only to Tom Brady.
