FOXBORO — Matthew Slater nonetheless wasn’t able to be committal about his soccer future after Sunday’s 17-3 loss to the Jets, but it surely definitely appeared like his teammates believed the Patriots captain was enjoying his final recreation within the 2023 season finale.
Patriots gamers and proprietor Robert Kraft donned custom-made sweatshirts that learn “The Patriot” on the entrance and “Captain 18” on the again. On the sleeve, it listed his accomplishments: “son, father, husband, teammate, 10-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time Super Bowl Champion, 13-time team captain, five-time All-Pro.”
Patriots gamers had been largely uncertain the place the hoodies got here from, however one among Slater’s teammates mentioned that workforce gear supervisor Preston “Stick” Rogers was handing them out. Slater mentioned after the sport that he didn’t know who made them however he suspected that “Stick” was concerned.
“I was blown away by it,” Slater mentioned of the gesture. “I never wanted anything about my experience here to be about me, so it did make me a little uncomfortable. But to have the guys do that, I’ll never be able to put that into words as long as I live. It meant a lot to me.”
Rookie vast receiver DeMario Douglas had his sweatshirt signed by Slater in his locker after the sport.
Slater met together with his dad and mom and brother on the sector earlier than the sport. The Patriots posted photos of Slater with proprietor Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, fellow captains David Andrews and Ja’Whaun Bentley and lengthy snapper Joe Cardona to social media.
The longtime special-teams captain mentioned this week that he would speak to his spouse and household about his soccer future after Sunday’s recreation. Still, he was requested after the sport if he had decided about retirement.
“Let’s talk about that another day,” Slater mentioned. “Just wish to categorical my because of the blokes in that locker room right now. So, very appreciative of all of the love and help that I acquired this entire season, definitely right now and this week. I’m simply proud to be a part of that group.
“Even though the season was what it was, to come in every day and be able to work with those guys really meant a lot to me.”
Belichick has spoken about Slater’s affect on the workforce at size final week and thru the years. He provided extra reward after Sunday’s loss.
“On a daily basis, he’s just exemplary,” Belichick mentioned after the sport. “And to watch his growth from, you know, when he was a rookie coming out of UCLA and trying to find a little bit of position on offense and defense and ultimately becoming as good a special teams player that has ever played this game. Certainly, he has everything to back that up based on his long, sustained success and being the targeted guy every week. Then his leadership and presence for the team, not just the players, for the organization, the staff. I mean, he’s an inspiration to all of us.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com