FOXBORO – There are few individuals who know Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell higher than Matthew Slater.
The Patriots particular groups captain and O’Connell arrived in Foxboro collectively 14 years in the past, after being drafted by Bill Belichick in 2008.
O’Connell, a quarterback from San Diego State, was a 3rd spherical choose. Slater, a large receiver from UCLA, was a fifth-rounder. Both had been California boys with massive soccer desires. O’Connell hailed from San Diego. Slater from Anaheim.
They struck up an instantaneous friendship whereas rooming collectively their first yr in New England.
“It really clicked,” Slater stated throughout his podium session with the media Monday. “Both growing up in southern California, having our roots there, I think we had a lot in common, the things we value in life, I think there are a lot of similarities there.”
O’Connell might need solely lasted a season and a bit of past as a member of the Patriots, with Slater a fixture the previous 13 seasons, however their bond remained sturdy via the years.
During the 2011 lockout, Slater stated he stayed with O’Connell in Carlsbad, and lived with him and his spouse for a time.
“I don’t know what I would have done in the lockout, but he had me over at San Diego State working out,” stated Slater, who was in O’Connell’s wedding ceremony. “We spent a lot of time together in those early years, just a couple of kids trying to find our way. I guess we did alright for ourselves.”
They positive did. Slater is a 10-time Pro Bowl participant and revered chief within the Patriots locker room. O’Connell, in the meantime, toiled round as a backup, earlier than heading into teaching. He labored as a quarterback coach for a number of groups earlier than serving as an offensive coordinator each in Washington and with the Rams, the place he received a Super Bowl ring final season.
Did Slater ever see O’Connell being in a management position, as a head coach of an NFL workforce, one which’s at present 8-2 and main the NFC North ten video games into his first yr as a head coach?
Given O’Connell’s qualities, it appeared like a no brainer to Slater, who will face off towards his good buddy Thursday evening with the Patriots taking up the Vikings in Minnesota.
“I think the intangibles, I think his character is second to none,” stated Slater. “He’s just a tremendous person. I think that matters a lot when you talk about leadership, and leading men, and getting a locker room to buy into your vision and what you believe in. So he’s got a great deal of character.”
Slater additionally famous that being a quarterback, O’Connell sees the sport a bit of totally different than most.
“He’s got a very high football IQ. And speaking with him over the years, he’s been able to learn from a great deal of guys, from Chip Kelly, to (Jon) Gruden, to (Sean) McVay, he’s been around some great offensive minds,” stated Slater. “And you take his natural gifts and abilities, to see the game, to dissect the game, to teach the game . . . and you end up with a pretty good football coach.”
Slater remembered being on a Facetime name with O’Connell, congratulating him when he was named the Vikings head coach in February. He couldn’t assist however mirror again on their time collectively, housed on the Residence Inn in Foxboro.
“Who would have thought we’d both be in the positions we’re in at this stage of our lives,” stated Slater. “I always love catching up with him. I don’t think we’ll be too friendly this week, but every other week, I’m pulling for him.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com