The captain is coming again.
Matthew Slater is returning for a sixteenth season with the Patriots, the group introduced Friday. Slater, the Pats’ longest-tenured participant and captain, had been considering retirement. Over his profession, the 10-time Pro Bowler has been acknowledged as one of many biggest particular groups gamers in NFL historical past.
“Matt’s incredible career is a testament to his preparation and will to succeed,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick mentioned in an announcement. “We are thrilled he will be playing this season.”
Slater, 37, joined the Patriots as a fifth-round select within the 2008 NFL Draft. He was first voted a captain in 2010 and has earned the glory in each season since. Slater’s received three Super Bowls in New England, the place he’s additionally been named to extra Pro Bowls than some other particular groups participant in league historical past.
“It is a great honor and blessing to return to the Patriots for my 16th season,” Slater mentioned within the assertion. “I thank God for His continued grace and provision over my career. I look forward to continuing to play under the leadership of Coach Belichick. Thank you to the Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization for allowing me to continue to pursue my childhood dream. See you in the fall. God Bless.”
Last season, Slater posted 13 particular groups tackles, second-most on the group behind rookie Brenden Schooler. His return solutions one query for the Patriots’ locker room subsequent season. Fellow captain and longtime veteran, Devin McCourty, has but to announce whether or not he’ll return or retire along with his contract expiring subsequent month.
Source: www.bostonherald.com