FOXBORO — Matthew Slater is formally listed as a large receiver on the Patriots roster, however he vowed two weeks in the past in Germany that his days of being cut up out large on offense are over.
The particular groups captain has a distinct “honorary” place round Gillette Stadium, nonetheless.
“He’s kind of an honorary offensive lineman,” heart David Andrews stated this morning. “He’s always been. It’s in his blood. I learned that very quickly when I was a rookie and having to buy sandwiches that I always bought one for Slater there on road games.”
Slater, who’s listed at 6 toes, 205 kilos, is a couple of inches brief and 100 kilos too gentle to be an precise offensive lineman, not like his father Pro Football Hall of Famer Jackie Slater.
“Just kind of has a similar mindset to the offensive line,” apply squad veteran offensive lineman James Ferentz stated Wednesday. “Just always even-keeled, hard-worker, lead by example. All of the football cliches. You check the box. I just really enjoy Slate’s company as a human being. And being able to play ball with him is pretty special.”
But past his pedigree, what else makes Slater an “honorary offensive lineman?”
“That’s a great question,” he stated laughing. “I believe for me, I’m at all times curious. Naturally, due to my dad, like what’s occurring within the room? I’ve sat down and I’ve talked scheme with David and James. I’ve requested a number of questions. I’m interested by personnel. I don’t know.
“I think, more than any position on the field other than the ones I’ve played, that position piques my interest. And then you know, I just naturally have a great appreciation for what those guys do, what they mean to a football team. So, I appreciate them welcoming me into the circle all these years.”
Slater, who spent a big chunk of Wednesday’s open locker room session speaking with Andrews and Ferentz, has by no means really been a part of an offensive line assembly however he did get pleasure from listening to legendary offensive line coach and Patriots Hall of Famer Dante Scarnecchia for years.
“One of my fondest memories here will be Fridays with Dante when he was installing goal line,” Slater stated. “And I was more excited than anyone. ‘I can’t wait to hear this install.’ But so that was my little bit of a glimpse of being in the meeting room with them.”
Slater, a three-time Super Bowl champion, eight-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl choice, has not dedicated to enjoying in 2024. There aren’t any non-kicker or non-punter particular groups gamers within the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but when anybody has a case, it’s Slater. Bills legend Steve Tasker, a five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl choice, was beforehand seen as the highest particular groups participant in NFL historical past.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick bestowed that honor on Slater this offseason.
Source: www.bostonherald.com