Patriots’ Matthew Slater retires from NFL after 16 seasons

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Matthew Slater, who holds the NFL report for many particular groups Professional Bowl appearances with 10, introduced his retirement on Tuesday after 16 seasons.

“I’ve given all that I probably can to respect and honor the sport,” Slater wrote in a social media put up shared by the New England Patriots. “Although it’s time for my relationship with the sport to evolve, the love I’ve for it’s going to final a lifetime.”

A message from Matthew Slater. pic.twitter.com/diVYMtAapu

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 20, 2024

Slater, the son of Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Jackie Slater, was chosen by the Patriots within the fifth spherical of the 2008 draft and spent his total profession with the group. He questioned if he would even make the group popping out of his first coaching camp, a mirrored image of his distinctive function as a core particular groups participant.

Lately, former Patriots coach Invoice Belichick had referenced Slater as the best to play the sport in his function, saying he felt lucky to educate what he believed have been the best offensive (Tom Brady), defensive (Lawrence Taylor) and particular groups gamers (Slater) within the historical past of the sport.

“In 2008, I got here right here as a younger man with hopes and goals. In 2024, I can retire understanding this expertise has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had,” Slater wrote.

Slater, who known as his father his hero, received three Tremendous Bowls with the Patriots and is the franchise’s all-time chief in particular groups tackles.

“Dad, you blazed the path. You set the usual. I hope I adopted in these footsteps properly,” Slater wrote. “It was by no means a burden. Solely a blessing.”

He performed in 239 video games with the Patriots, second in group historical past behind Brady (285). His 25 profession postseason video games rank ninth-most in NFL historical past.

Slater, 38, was a group captain for 13 straight seasons, together with his postgame speeches within the locker room usually referred to by teammates as highly effective due to how Slater — a religious Christian — would relate soccer to life.

“As a participant, God used the sport of soccer to instruct, self-discipline, encourage and develop me as an individual,” Slater stated.