There aren’t many players remaining on the New England Patriots’ roster from the three Super Bowls they won between 2014 and 2018. But one star player who was there for all three is making his return in 2023.
On Friday, the Patriots announced that veteran wide receiver and special teams ace Matthew Slater is returning to the team for a 16th season. In a statement he thanked the team for giving him the opportunity to continue playing with the Patriots.
“It is a great honor and blessing to return to the Patriots for my 16th season,” Slater said. “I thank God for His continued grace and provision over my career. I look forward to continuing to play under the leadership of Coach Belichick. Thank you to the Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization for allowing me to continue to pursue my childhood dream. See you in the fall. God Bless.”
At 37 years of age, only backup quarterback Brian Hoyer and starting kicker Nick Folk are older. But Slater has maintained his position as one of the elite special teams tacklers well into what would be most players’ twilight years.
Matthew Slater was a fifth-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and made an immediate impact as their gunner on special teams. Between 2011 and 2021, Slater made the Pro Bowl as special teams ace 10 times.
Some have argued that Slater may be the best special teams tackler of all-time and potentially a Hall of Fame player at the position.
But whether Canton comes calling or not, Slater will always go down as a Patriots legend.