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Former UCLA special teams player Matthew Slater announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after 16 seasons with the New England Patriots. (Adam Hunger / Associated Press)
Matthew Slater was a game changer in the NFL.
He could be one in retirement as well.
The former Servite and UCLA standout announced his retirement Tuesday after 16 seasons, all with the New England Patriots. During his time in Foxborough, Mass., Slater won three Super Bowls and was selected to 10 Pro Bowls, more than any special teams player in league history.
“In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams,” Slater said in a statement released by the Patriots. “In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had.”
Slater’s father, Jackie Slater, played 20 years in the NFL as an offensive lineman with the Rams. Jackie was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
Read more: Jackie Slater has given the Rams his heart, but the Patriots have his DNA
Matthew Slater won’t be eligible to join his father in Canton, Ohio, until 2029. If that happens, the Slaters will be the first father-son duo to be inducted as players. The younger Slater also would make history as the first player who primarily served as a gunner to make the Hall of Fame.
“On the field, his 10 Pro Bowl appearances will likely earn him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “Off the field, he will be remembered for so much more. He is a role model, not just for young players, but for everyone. He is a man of integrity and high moral character who is led by his faith and committed to his family. There is no finer person than Matthew Slater.”
Slater made All-Pac-10 as a kick returner during his senior season at UCLA in 2007. After being drafted in the fifth round by the Patriots the following year, however, Slater’s role changed. He soon became known as one of the league’s top tacklers on special teams.
He had one career touchdown,…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/matthew-slater-retires-16-seasons-193319410.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-02-20 19:33:19
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