Matthew Slater is calling it a career in New England.
The special teams great and captain, 38, announced his NFL retirement on Tuesday following 16 seasons with the Patriots, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
“I have given all that I possibly can to respect and honor the game. Though it is time for my relationship with the game to evolve, the love I have for it will last a lifetime,” Slater said in a statement shared on the Patriots’ website. “As a player, God used the game of football to instruct, discipline, encourage, and develop me as a person. In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams. In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had.
“Pats Nation, it has been an honor to represent the silver, red, white, and blue for 16 years. Thank you for cheering, challenging and supporting our team each and every year. To the people of New England, thank you for welcoming my family and me into your community and allowing us to call New England home. We are beyond humbled and blessed. You the fans make an NFL player’s experience what it is. Thank you for supporting not only me but our great game.”
Slater, a three-time Super Bowl champion and a 10-time Pro Bowler, then took a moment to thank those who helped make his football journey possible, including his family, former teammates, the Patriots’ organization and former head coach Bill Belichick, who parted ways with New England in January after 24 seasons.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pursue my childhood dream. 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 said of Belichick, 71.
The former UCLA product also expressed gratitude for his father, Hall of Fame tackle Jackie Slater, who played for the Rams from 1976 to 1995.
“Dad, you blazed the trail. You set the standard. I hope I didn’t miss anything. I hope I followed those footsteps well. It was never a burden. Only a blessing. A gift from the Lord…,” Slater said.
His final game was on Sunday, Jan. 7, a home loss to the Jets, in which the Patriots wore “Captain 18” attire prior to kickoff.
Change has been in the air for New England for much of the offseason.
In the wake of Belichick’s departure, former linebacker-turned-coach Jerod Mayo was appointed his successor.
It also remains to be seen what’s next for third-year quarterback Mac Jones amid speculation about his future with the team.
The Patriots finished the season at 4-13 and last in the AFC East.