The affect Matthew Slater made on his former coaches and teammates has been obvious because the former Patriots particular groups captain introduced his retirement Tuesday.
Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, and present Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo and proprietor Robert Kraft all launched statements on Slater hanging up his cleats.
Here’s the assertion from Kraft:
“Matthew Slater wasn’t just a special teams player for the Patriots. He was a special team player who helped us win three Super Bowls and made a positive impact on the many lives he touched, both on and off the field. On the field, his 10 Pro Bowl appearances will likely earn him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day alongside his father. Off the field, he will be remembered for so much more. He is a role model, not just for young players, but for everyone. He is a man of integrity and high moral character who is led by his faith and committed to his family. There is no finer person than Matthew Slater. On behalf of the New England Patriots, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Matthew, in partnership with his wife Shahrzad and the entire Slater family, for his remarkable 16-year Patriots career. Matthew’s dedication, leadership and talent have been instrumental to our success, and his impact extends far beyond the field. His character and commitment to our organization, his teammates and the game of football are unparalleled. We are all better for knowing Matthew Slater, and while we will miss his presence on the field, we look forward to celebrating his many future contributions and accomplishments. We know there will be many.”
Here’s the assertion from Mayo, who was in the identical draft class as Slater in 2008 and was his teammate till 2015. Mayo coached on the Patriots’ workers from 2019 to 2023 earlier than taking on as head coach this offseason.
“Matthew Slater – my pal, former co-captain, three-time Super Bowl Champion, five-time first-team All-Pro and 10-time Pro-Bowler – is an all-time nice. He is an unimaginable human being and a rare father, husband, son, pal and teammate, to call just some of the various key roles he performs for numerous individuals who have been lucky sufficient to be graced by his presence. Matthew and his beautiful household, together with his spouse, Shahrzad, and exquisite youngsters, Jeremiah, Hannah, Noah and Micah, are led by religion and dedication, instance and motion.
“Matthew and I entered the NFL collectively in 2008, and I used to be lucky to play my whole profession with him. Matthew’s management, perspective, intelligence and dedication created an expert soccer profession that may most undoubtedly earn him enshrinement in each the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Patriots Hall of Fame.
“Matthew is a winner in soccer, however his accomplishments far exceed the sphere. He is a winner in life. I do know that Matthew will proceed to make profound affect on so many in his neighborhood, each personally and professionally.
“Matthew is my dear friend for life. I thank him for the man he is and wish him the very best in all future endeavors. I know he will be great at whatever he chooses to do next.”
Here’s what Belichick, who drafted Slater and coached him for 16 seasons, mentioned in regards to the particular teamer and his profession, via ESPN:
“Matthew Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive. He is a once in a lifetime person, and the best core special teams player in NFL history. His daily, weekly, and yearly work ethic, paved the way for his unsurpassed performance. Matthew is the finest example of what an intense competitor and human being should be. He has been a great role model for the teams players & coaches) that I have coached. Matthew is exceedingly kind, and supremely loved and respected by all his peers. I am one of many who feel incredibly blessed to be his teammate, coach, and friend.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com