The New England Patriots are undergoing a big change this offseason after the team parted ways with longtime head coach Bill Belichick, and it sounds like they’ll also be losing one of their most dependable players as well.
On Tuesday morning, New England Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater announced his retirement from the NFL after 15 seasons with the team.
“I have given all that I possibly can to respect and honor the game,” Slater said as part of a statement released by the Patriots. “Though it is time for my relationship with the game to evolve, the love I have for it will last a lifetime.
A message from Matthew Slater. pic.twitter.com/diVYMtAapu
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 20, 2024
“In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams. In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had.”
During his time with the Patriots, Slater won three Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XLIX over the Seattle Seahawks, Super Bowl LI over the Atlanta Falcons, and Super Bowl LIII over the Los Angeles Rams. He was also named to the Pro Bowl 10 times and was named a first-team All-Pro five different times throughout his career, all for his work on special teams.
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