New England Patriots special teamer Matthew Slater announced his retirement on Tuesday after 16 seasons and three Super Bowl wins with the team.
The 38-year-old reflected on his career in a lengthy statement released via the Patriots. It began and ended with nods to his father, former Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Jackie Slater, who was inducted into the Pro Bowl Hall of Fame in 2001.
Matthew Slater recalled the experience of visiting his grandparents in Meridian, Mississippi, every summer and watching his father train at a local high school during those trips.
“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. “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.”
The Patriots drafted Slater in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of UCLA. Listed as a wide receiver, he instead served as one of the NFL’s best special teams players. His impact was immediate, as he returned 11 kicks for 155 yards and recorded 12 tackles in 14 games during his rookie year.
Slater, a 10-time Pro Bowler, earned two first-team All-Pro nods over his career (five All-Pro selections overall). He spent 13 years as a captain for the Patriots, leading to his reputation as an invaluable locker room presence.
“In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams,” he wrote. “In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had.”
Before New England’s season finale against the New York Jets last month, Patriots players honored Slater by wearing hoodies inscribed with his accomplishments and his jersey number.
Slater’s heartfelt statement went on to assert that his experience was made possible by the people around him.
“My story in football is not my own,” Slater…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-matthew-slater-announces-retirement-after-16-seasons-3-super-bowl-wins-161547235.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-02-20 16:15:47
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