Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater extending NFL career
By Morgan Jayne
The New England Patriots have announced that Matthew Slater will be returning to the Patriots for one more year.
Slater’s status for the 2023 season was unknown, with him being a free agent. Many wondered if retirement was on the cards for the 37-year-old veteran; however, the special teams captain will return for the upcoming season.
Slater signed a one-year contract extension with the team in March 2022 and has now decided to return for one more season.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft had this to say about Slater’s return:
"“I couldn’t be happier to learn that Matthew Slater has decided to return for his 16th season with the New England Patriots,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “Matthew’s drive to be the best at what he does will one day earn him enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Yet, as stellar as his football career has been, he is an even better person. He is led by his faith and spirituality, dedicated to his family and committed to his craft. There is no better leader for our younger players to follow and no better ambassador for the Patriots organization. He is truly special, and I am grateful that his contributions to the team will continue.”"
Slater also commented on his decision to return:
"“It is a great honor and blessing to return to the Patriots for my 16th season. I thank God for His continued grace and provision over my career. I look forward to continuing to play under the leadership of Coach Belichick. Thank you to the Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization for allowing me to continue to pursue my childhood dream. See you in the fall. God Bless.”"
Matthew Slater is a Patriots Legend
New England drafted Slater in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
During his time in New England, Slater has cemented himself as an all-time great. In his 15 NFL seasons, he is a 12-time team captain and has earned 10 Pro Bowl invitations as a special teamer, the most special Pro Bowl honors in league history.
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In Patriots franchise history, Slater ranks second for total games played with 223 and is the team’s all-time leader with 172 special teams tackles in the regular season and 23 in the postseason.
In 2022 Slater recorded 13 special teams tackles, marking his 11th season with double-digit special teams tackles. His 11 seasons with double-digit teams tackles is the most in the NFL since 2000.
He is a three-time Super Bowl Champion and is considered one of the all-time greatest gunners in NFL history.
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Slater has also made a mark off the field with his charity work. In 2020, Slater and his wife founded the Slater Family Foundation. He is also one of the team’s most active community participants, regularly participating in organized community events.
When all is said and done, Matthew Slater is bound to be a future Hall of Famer both in the Patriots Hall and the Pro Football Hall.