After 16 years with the Patriots, Matthew Slater has announced his retirement, per the team.
A 13x captain, 10x Pro Bowler, 8x All-Pro, and 3x Super Bowl champion, Slater is widely regarded as one of the greatest special teams players to every touch a football.
Slater was the embodiment of the Patriot Way. His 16-year career was spent entirely in New England. Throughout the greatest dynasty in sports history, few players had greater impacts on the Patriots on and off the field.
Matthew Slater leaves the field for the final time following a loss to the Jets. Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images
Slater will likely be a first-ballot inductee into The Hall at Patriots Place, while also being a strong candidate to make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
However, the impact Slater has had on the New England region goes much further than just on the field. Anybody who has had he pleasure of meeting Matthew Slater was greeted with a smile and kind words.
Thank you, Slater. For your impact on the field and in the community, thank you. Best of luck through retirement.