'True Champion!': Tom Brady, Patriots React To Slater Retirement
For 16 years, the New England Patriots had the pleasure of having Matthew Slater represent the organization proudly.
Slater, 37, will go down as one of the greatest special teams players in league history with 10 Pro Bowl selections. Even more importantly, Slater was a powerful leader in the locker room and role model in the community.
Following Slater's retirement on Tuesday, the entire Patriots community came out to see him off the right way. Not just the fans, but many of his teammates throughout his entire career.
"A true champion. The best teammate and an even better man. Congratulations on the perfect career," former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said, per the team's website.
"THE Patriot. We always talk about the Patriot way. But Slater lived it," former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman said. "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 HOF career Slate. Love you bubs. #Captain"
Not only did Slater's teammates wish him the best in retirement, but so did former Patriots coach Bill Belichick and newly-appointed coach Jerod Mayo.
"Matthew Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive," Belichick said, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. "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 Slater – my friend, former co-captain, three-time Super Bowl Champion, five-time first-team All-Pro and 10-time Pro-Bowler – is an all-time great," Mayo said. "He is an incredible human being and an extraordinary father, husband, son, friend and teammate, to name just a few of the many key roles he plays for countless people who have been fortunate enough to be graced by his presence."
Even Patriots owner Robert Kraft gave a heartfelt goodbye to his longtime captain, remembering his impact on the field and in the community.
"Matthew Slater wasn't just a special teams player for the Patriots. He was a special team player who helped us win three Super Bowls and made a positive impact on the many lives he touched, both on and off the field," Kraft said. "On the field, his 10 Pro Bowl appearances will likely earn him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day alongside his father. Off the field, he will be remembered for so much more."
When the time comes, it seems all but certain that Slater will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame alongside the game's greats.
