(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The New England Patriots are going to look very different next season.
With Bill Belichick not in charge for the first time in over two decades, they will also be without one of their signature players and captains.
Following a 16-year career in Foxboro as both a leader and one of the best special teams players ever, 38-year-old Matthew Stafford has announced his retirement (via Ari Meirov).
“Patriots special-teamer Matthew Slater is retiring from the NFL after 16 seasons.” Meirov said.
#Patriots special-teamer Matthew Slater is retiring from the NFL after 16 seasons.
Bill Belichick has said Slater is the greatest special teamer in NFL history, and he hopes Slater gets that recognition. An incredible career comes to an end. pic.twitter.com/3gEHsdAYsC
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 20, 2024
This is not much of a surprise, as he was already contemplating retirement last offseason.
Bill Belichick once called Slater the greatest special teams player of all time, and he definitely has a strong case for that distinction.
The Patriots took him in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of UCLA, and he helped the team win three Super Bowls.
He leaves the game with ten Pro Bowl selections, the most ever for a special teamer.
Slater was also a team captain for 13 years, becoming one of the most beloved figures in the locker room.
Now, he can finally ride off into the sunset, hoping to get the recognition and, more importantly, the golden jacket he earned on the field.
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