Patriots Captain Matthew Slater Makes Decision on 2023: Retiring or Returning?
FOXBORO — The voice of New England Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater is easily distinguished as the leader of the team’s post game victory cry — known to all of Patriots Nation simply as “Awww Yeeeeaahh.”
For at least for one more season, they will hear that voice when the Pats take the field.
Slater, in conjunction with the Patriots, announced Friday afternoon that he will be returning to play for his 16th season.
"It is a great honor and blessing to return to the Patriots for my 16th season," said Slater. "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."
Slater had been considering retirement since the team’s since their 35-23 season-ending loss to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Week 17.
However, Slater’s love for the game, in union with his faith and the needs of his family, has apparently led him back to the gridiron for another year.
Having spent his entire 15-year career with New England, Slater has become one of the NFL’s most respected players, both on and off the field — often considered the standard to which his teammates (and even his coaches) hold themselves accountable.
A 12-time team captain, Slater originally joined the team as a fifth-round draft selection (153rd overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft out of UCLA. Since that time, he has played in 223 career regular season games, starting three of them, and 25 postseason contests with one start. He has earned two first-team All-Pro selections (2016, 2019), three second team All-Pro (2017, 2020, 2021) and 10 Pro Bowl nods, the most by a special teamer in NFL history.
Though the team uncharacteristically struggled on special teams in 2022, Slater still performed at a high level. The 12-time team captain took 84 percent of their special teams snaps, earning 13 tackles: routinely making plays as the Pats special teams gunner, as well as in punt and kick team coverage.
For all of his on-field success, the argument can be made that Slater is equally respected off the field. The Pats captain takes great pride in his role as a mentor for many of the team’s younger players — not only leading them on the field, but also offering his wisdom and advice away from it.
During the Pats offseason workout programs, Slater is among the team's most stabilizing veteran presences. He is often seen working with both rookies and veterans alike during OTAs and minicamp; sharing his thoughts on a specific alignment in team drills or lightening the mood by flashing a smile during warmups.
As such, it is no surprise that the organization is excited to have Slater back in the Foxboro fold for at least one more season.
"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, via patriots.com. "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."
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who has coached Slater for the entirety of his career, echoed Kraft’s sentiments.
"Matt's incredible career is a testament to his preparation and will to succeed," said Belichick. "We are thrilled he will be playing this season."
While the sun may be preparing to set on Slater’s illustrious career, Pats fans are undoubtedly elated that their longtime captain believes there to be a bit more light to be gleaned from him in 2023.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots
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