Patriots captain Matthew Slater retires after 16 seasons

Field Level Media|published: Tue 20th February, 10:39 2024

Nov 10, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) speaks to the media before an NFL International Series practice at the Deutcher Fussball-Bund facility. credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater announced his retirement Tuesday after 16 seasons.

The three-time Super Bowl champion holds the NFL record for special teams players with 10 Pro Bowl selections.

Slater, 38, played in 264 games (including playoffs) for the Patriots from 2008-23, second only to Tom Brady (326).

"I have given all that I possibly can to respect and honor the game," he wrote in a lengthy post on social media. "Though it is time for my relationship with the game to evolve, the love I have for it will last a lifetime."

Originally drafted as a wide receiver in the fifth round in 2008, Slater made his impact on special teams. He served as a kick returner on and off between 2008 and 2016 and amassed 191 tackles in kick and punt coverage.

"In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams," Slater wrote. "In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had."

—Field Level Media

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