Matthew Slater has introduced his retirement from the National Football League.
Slater performed all sixteen of his NFL seasons for the New England Patriots.
“I have given all that I maybe can to recognize and honor the game,” Slater wrote in a retirement letter shared by the Patriots. “Though it is time for my relationship with the sport to evolve, the love I have for it will remaining a lifetime.”
Slater added: “In 2008, I came right here as a younger man with hopes and dreams. In 2024, I can retire understanding this trip has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had.”
In his prolonged address, Slater also presented thanks to Patriots fans, his family, the Kraft household and Patriots organization, longtime head train Bill Belichick alongside with his teammates and coaches.
Slater was drafted via the Patriots in the fifth spherical of the 2008 NFL Draft. He grew to become arguably the great special groups participant in the history of the game, honored as a 10-time Pro Bowl decision and two-time First Team All-Pro.
Slater’s retirement does not come as a principal surprise. Not solely had the 38-year-old Slater considered retirement ultimate offseason, but he confirmed heartfelt emotion in his last sport at Gillette Stadium, being honored via his Patriots teammates and coaches beforehand.
