Matthew Slater

Matthew Wilson "Matt" Slater has had an illustrious career in the National Football League, predominantly with the New England Patriots. Originally drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft after playing college football for the UCLA Bruins, Slater is known for his versatile skill set, excelling as a wide receiver, safety, gunner, and special teams player. From 2011 to 2021, he was named to the Pro Bowl 10 times, cementing his status in NFL history for the most special teams Pro Bowl honors. Furthermore, Slater has been recognized as a First-team All-Pro special teamer four times, elevating the significance of his contributions to the sport.

During his tenure with the Patriots, Slater was instrumental in leading his team to three Super Bowl victories, specifically Super Bowl XLIX, Super Bowl LI, and Super Bowl LIII. His exemplary leadership on and off the field earned him the Bart Starr Award in 2017, an honor that recognizes outstanding character and leadership in the NFL. This was later followed by the Art Rooney Award in 2021. Additionally, Slater was named to both, the New England Patriots All-2010s Team and the New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team, testifying to his sustained excellence and influence on the team.

Slater's impact extends beyond the field as well. He was awarded the New England Patriots 11th Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2013 for his commitment to community service. Among his notable initiatives was his 2016 "pop-up" fundraiser, which raised over $60,000 for Samaritan's Purse to assist Hurricane Matthew victims in the Carolinas and Haiti. His involvement with Compassion International’s “Fill The Stadium” initiative in 2021 also exemplifies his commitment to social causes.

Slater announced his retirement from professional football in 2024, after a successful career spanning 16 seasons, all with the New England Patriots. However, he continues to contribute to the team as the special assistant to the head coach, providing valuable insights and sharing his deep understanding of the game. His dedication and prowess in the special teams department has not gone unnoticed, with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick acknowledging him as the greatest player in the department.