Bill Belichick, Tom Brady among those to praise Matthew Slater following retirement announcement
"The best teammate and an even better man. Congratulations on a perfect career."
Following the Tuesday morning news that longtime Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater was calling time on his 16-year career, numerous former teammates (and coaches) quickly offered their reactions to the news.
Most prominent among Slater’s former Patriots teammates and coaches were the statements from Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and team owner Robert Kraft.
Belichick offered a formal statement, shared via ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Matthew Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive. He is a once in a lifetime person, and the best core special teams player in NFL history. His daily, weekly, and yearly work ethic, paved the way for his unsurpassed performance. Matthew is the finest example of what an intense competitor and human being should be. He has been a great role model for the teams players & coaches) that I have coached. Matthew is exceedingly kind, and supremely loved and respected by all his peers. I am one of many who feel incredibly blessed to be his teammate, coach, and friend.
Brady commented on the Patriots’ Instagram page announcing Slater’s retirement, calling him “one of a kind.”
“A true champion,” Brady added in an Instagram story. “The best teammate and an even better man. Congratulations on a perfect career.”
Kraft also added a statement, saying that “there is no finer person than Matthew Slater.”
Newly-appointed Patriots coach Jerod Mayo, who was also a teammate of Slater’s, said that his “accomplishments far exceed the field.”
“He is a winner in life,” said Mayo. “I know that Matthew will continue to make a profound impact on so many in his community, both personally and professionally.”
Slater played his entire NFL career in New England, helping the Patriots win three Super Bowls (and reach five during his career). Though he only made one career catch, he became an indispensable member of New England’s special teams unit, finishing with 10 Pro Bowl selections.
Julian Edelman, who joined the Patriots a year after Slater, devoted an Instagram post of his own to honor the moment.
“THE Patriot,” Edelman captioned. “We always talk about the Patriot way. But Slater lived it. He picked me up when I needed it, and challenged me when I needed it. Without him I wouldn’t have been half the player or half the man I am today. Congrats on the [Hall of Fame] career Slate. Love you bubs.”
Other past and present teammates added congratulatory messages in the comments below the team’s announcement on Instagram.
“Thank you Slate for changing the game! Your legacy is forever, both on and off the field,” noted Mac Jones.
“A true blessing to call you a friend and teammate,” said former offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer. “One of the best who has ever done it.”
“Happy to have played alongside Slate!” said Devin McCourty in his Instagram story. “Blessed to call him a friend.”
“Retire the number 18,” added wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
Though special teams players haven’t historically had the best luck getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, there’s no question how Slater’s teammates feel about it.
“Hall of Fame player, teammate, leader, and person,” wrote long-snapper Joe Cardona. “Thank for everything 18!”
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