New England Legends: Patriots' Slater Congratulates Retiring Patrice Bergeron

FOXBORO — New England Patriots team captain Matthew Slater knows a thing or two about being ‘legendary.’

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.

Accordingly, he offered some well-deserved, glowing praise for another Boston sports legend, Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron, who announced his retirement from the NHL earlier in the day.

“I think he should be celebrated as an icon for the city of Boston and Boston Sports,” Slater told reporters when asked about Bergeron’s legacy. “It’s a bit of a sad day for Boston sports fans, but we should certainly celebrate everything he’s done.”

Bergeron, regarded as one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL, played 19 seasons for the Bruins, earning the role of team captain for his final three. The 38-year-old was a six-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL forward with the best defensive skills. Not only did Bergeron record the most Selke wins in league history, he was also nominated a record 12 times. The Quebec native was also a key component in helping the Bruins to a Stanley Cup championship victory over the Vancouver Canucks in 2011.

However, Slater was as much — if not more — impressed by Bergeron’s consistency, as well as his loyalty to the Bruins and the New England region. Ironically, these are two trains for which he has been praised throughout his tenure in a Patriots uniform. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Slater made it a point to mention highlight these qualities when speaking of Bergeron.

“He was a guy that just gave that organization [the Boston Bruins], gave our city, so much consistency — and I think that’s something to celebrate. And the other thing I appreciate is the loyalty … For him to do it here, for as long as he did, I think is tremendous.”

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. Like Bergeron, he also played an integral role in helping the Patriots to championship victory, earning three Super Bowl rings (XLIX, LI, LIII) since 2014. He signed a one-year deal with New England in the offseason, ensuring his return for a 16th season.

Still, the pair share the distinction of being two of the most admired athletes in modern New England sports. For all of his on-field success, the argument can be made that Slater is equally respected off the field, as Bergeron was to the ice. 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 was among the team's most stabilizing veteran presences. He was 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. That practice will continue into training camp — with Slater, perhaps, taking an extra minute to reflect on the elder statesman-like example Bergeron set, as well.

“I wish him the best and congratulations on a tremendous career,” Slater said with a grin. “One of the last old guys in this town … so I certainly appreciate what he did.”

The Patriots — both old and young, seasoned and new, will take the fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium for their first training camp practice at 9:30 a.m on Wednesday.

Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

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