Matthew Slater grew to be a fan favourite throughout his 16-year profession with the New England Patriots.
Not solely because of the success Slater had between the lines, he grew to become arguably the high-quality special teams player in the records of the game, however additionally due to the fact of his team-first mentality and thoughtfulness off the gridiron.
With Slater officially saying his retirement Tuesday, he shared a message for New England supporters.
“Pats Nation, it has been an honor to represent the silver, red, white and blue for 16 years,” Slater wrote in a retirement letter shared by using the Patriots. “Thank you for cheering, difficult and helping our team each and every year. To the human beings of New England, thank you for welcoming my family and me into your neighborhood and permitting us to call New England home. We are past humbled and blessed.
“You the fans make an NFL player’s experience what it is. Thank you for helping not solely me however our superb game.”
Slater additionally shared gratitude for his family, teammates and coaches, particularly such as Bill Belichick, alongside with the Kraft household and Patriots organization.
“To the Kraft family and the whole Patriots organization: Thank you for your persisted support and belief,” he wrote. “Thank you for usually treating me and my family like your family. I really trust I have been a section of the satisfactory organization in all of pro sports.”
You can examine Slater’s letter in its entirety here.
Slater performed all sixteen of his NFL seasons in New England. After being selected in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, his legendary profession blanketed 10 Pro Bowl preferences and he used to be named a two-time First Team All-Pro.
