Patriots captain Matthew Slater is already again within the constructing.
Per week after asserting he would return for a sixteenth NFL season, Slater sat for an interview with Patriots.com to clarify his resolution. The 37-year-old additionally addressed the workforce’s season-ending loss at Buffalo final month, when the Pats allowed two kick return touchdowns on his watch as particular groups captain. As for the long run, Slater expects to proceed taking over a management function in Foxboro.
“I do believe that my role at this point is not just about covering kicks, blocking for returners,” Slater stated. “I feel it’s about fostering tradition, constructing relationships and pouring into younger males. You can try this in different capacities however the best way you try this as a participant may be very completely different. The method you’re capable of join with guys may be very completely different.
“That’s something I still have a lot of passion for and that’s something I certainly wasn’t ready to walk away from. That factored in huge into the decision because I feel like there are certain things you can do as a player that you can’t do as an administrator or as a staff member. Things I felt like were unfinished in terms of relationships and culture so that definitely factored in.”
Slater stays the Patriots’ longest-tenured participant and chief, having been voted a captain each season beginning in 2011. He is considered probably the greatest particular groups gamers in league historical past. Last season, Slater recorded 13 particular groups tackles, second-most on the workforce. Over his profession, he’s made 10 Pro Bowls and two All-Pro groups.
As for the Buffalo loss: “I did take it hard,” Slater stated. “Certainly you don’t need to exit like that, however I feel I’ve to be prepared and able to perceive that you just don’t get to regulate how this ends. That’s simply the character of the beast. I’ve talked to my dad [Pro Football Hall of Famer Jackie Slater] loads about that. He didn’t essentially finish the best way he wished to finish.
“As much as I didn’t want that to be the last chapter to my story, I had to accept that it possibly was going to be. That would have been a hard pill to swallow so I’m glad that it’s not and I’m hopeful that I can end things on my own terms. That’s certainly my prayer so we’ll see how it goes.”
The Patriots are nonetheless awaiting phrase whether or not fellow captain Devin McCourty will return for the 2023 season. McCourty lately stated he would resolve someday in early March.
Source: www.bostonherald.com