Jerod Mayo and Robert Kraft pay tribute to Matthew Slater after Patriots legend announces retirement

Michael Slater was the beacon of the New England Patriots’ golden era, emerging as a symbol of unwavering leadership. As the team’s revered captain, his impact transcended statistics. The veteran earned admiration from NFL giants like Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski over the years for his athleticism and dedication on the field.

Slater’s versatility as a wide receiver and prowess on special teams solidified his place in Patriots lore. Now, he has decided to gracefully conclude his illustrious tenure, leaving behind a legacy etched in silver and blue.

Matthew Slater announces retirement

Matthew Slater officially announced his retirement from professional football, concluding a remarkable 16-season career. He shared his decision in a heartfelt farewell statement, invoking the biblical verse 2 Timothy 4:7 to express the completion of his journey: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Slater’s roots in football trace back to his childhood. He vividly recalled watching his father, Jackie Slater, a Hall of Fame offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, diligently prepare for training camp.

“For as long as I can remember, football has been one of the passions of my heart… We spent every summer in Meridian, Mississippi visiting my grandparents. During those hot summer days in Meridian, I would often tag along with my dad to the local high school field… There was no crowd around to cheer him on… Just a man, my hero, dedicating himself to the game he loved so much. Never burdened by the work, he understood it was a blessing to do what he loved… I soon began to develop those same feelings for the game that had been so good to our family”, he wrote.

The veteran expressed gratitude for the privilege of emulating his father’s commitment to the sport.

“For the last 25 years of my life, 16 of them as a New England Patriot, I have been incredibly blessed to be able to emulate the man I saw on those fields in Meridian by playing the game that I love so much. 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.”

The Pats star concluded his retirement announcement by thanking his father, writing, “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.”

The Patriots’ final regular-season game on Jan. 7 served as a fitting farewell for Matthew Slater before this official statement. The entire team donned “Captain 18” hoodies in his honor. The legend owns the record for Pro Bowl selections as a special team member.

Jerod Mayo and Robert Kraft release statement after Matthew Slater’s retirement

The retirement of Matthew Slater sparked an outpouring of admiration and gratitude from his former teammates and the team’s management. Jerod Mayo, the recently appointed Patriots coach and a former teammate of Slater, hailed Slater’s impact both on and off the field.

Mayo highlighted his significant contributions to the team throughout their shared NFL journey, which began more than a decade ago.

“Matthew and I entered the NFL together in 2008, and I was fortunate to play my entire career with him..Matthew’s leadership, attitude, intelligence and dedication created a professional football career that will most definitely earn him enshrinement in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Patriots Hall of Fame,” Mayo said.

Robert Kraft, the Patriots CEO and Chairman, echoed Mayo’s sentiments. The team owner praised Slater not only for his athletic prowess but also for his interpersonal qualities. Kraft emphasized Slater’s exceptional qualities as a person, stating that there is “no finer person than Matthew Slater.”

“Matthew Slater wasn’t just a special teams player for the Patriots…He is a man of integrity and high moral character who is led by his faith and committed to his family. There is no finer person than Matthew Slater. On behalf of the New England Patriots, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Matthew.. Matthew’s dedication, leadership and talent have been instrumental to our success, and his impact extends far beyond the field. His character and commitment to our organization, his teammates and the game of football are unparalleled. We are all better for knowing Matthew Slater, and while we will miss his presence on the field, we look forward to celebrating his many future contributions and accomplishments. We know there will be many,” Kraft wrote via Patriots.com.

Even Bill Belichick, the recently departed head coach of the Patriots, shared his thoughts on Slater’s retirement, recognizing Slater’s remarkable career with the team. Slater was a fifth-round pick from UCLA in the 2008 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 14-season career with the Patriots and was a team captain for 13 consecutive seasons. His illustrious career and exemplary character have positioned him as a strong candidate for future induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.