Bill Belichick issued a statement after New England Patriots star special teamer Matthew Slater announced his retirement Tuesday.
Slater made 10 Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowls while playing for Belichick’s Patriots from 2008 to 2023. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Belichick lauded his former captain.
“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,” Belichick said.
“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, and 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.”
Slater played in 239 regular-season games, second in Patriots history behind Tom Brady, and more postseason games (25) than any active player. The former fifth-round pick received first-team All-Pro designations in 2016 and 2019.
Slater shouted out Belichick in the team’s announcement.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pursue my childhood dream,” Slater said. “Thank you for your belief in me. You took a chance on me and kept me around when many would not have. It is a great honor to know that I played for the best coach in the history of our league.”
Slater and Belichick could one day reunite in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.