Bill Belichick on Matthew Slater’s retirement: Best core special teams player in NFL history

Matthew Slater has been a stalwart of the New England Patriots and has etched his legacy as one of the NFL’s finest special teams players. His unparalleled dedication to his craft and exceptional leadership on and off the field have set him apart. The veteran’s selflessness and commitment to his teammates make him a role model in the locker room.

Even NFL GOAT Tom Brady didn’t shy away from heaping praise on Slater. The legendary player has now decided to hang up his cleats, and the Patriots former head coach Bill Belichick joined with others to deliver a heartfelt message for the footballer.

Bill Belichick releases statement on Matthew Slater retirement

Bill Belichick, the recently departed Patriots coach, couldn’t help but express his profound admiration for Matthew Slater as the seasoned player prepares to retire. The sentiments of the coach were overflowing with praise for Slater, whom he guided throughout his entire journey in the NFL.

According to Belichick, Slater deserves every accolade imaginable. He was the best core special teams player in NFL history, and he was also one of those once-in-a-lifetime individuals.

“Matthew Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive. He is a once in a lifetime person, and the best core special teams player in NFL history. His daily, weekly, and yearly work ethic, paved the way for his unsurpassed performance. Matthew is the finest example of what an intense competitor and human being should be,” Belichick said via CBS News.

The former Patriots’ coach attributed Slater’s unparalleled performance to his unwavering work ethic, mentioning his status as an exemplary competitor and human being.

“He has been a great role model for the teams, players and coaches that I have coached. Matthew is exceedingly kind, and supremely loved and respected by all his peers. I am one of many who feel incredibly blessed to be his teammate, coach, and friend.”

Slater’s time with the Patriots started when Belichick chose him in the fifth round of the NFL Draft in 2008. Thriving under Belichick’s guidance, he excelled as a key player in the team’s special teams unit. Belichick went as far as to declare the former Patriots’ player as the best kick coverage player in NFL history during a press conference in December of last year.

Will Matthew Slater be inducted in the NFL Hall of Fame?

Matthew Slater’s illustrious career in the NFL has left fans and analysts pondering whether he will secure a coveted spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His remarkable achievements include an impressive 10 Pro Bowl selections, three Second-Team All-Pro nods, three Super Bowl titles, and five First-Team All-Pro honors.

One of the main factors working against the vetera is the nature of his contributions. While he has excelled as a gunner and coverage man on special teams, his impact has been limited to this aspect of the game. Unlike other Hall of Fame inductees who have made significant contributions as quarterbacks, running backs, or wide receivers, Slater’s sole reception in his 16-year career came in 2011.

Comparisons are often drawn between Slater and former Buffalo Bill Steve Tasker, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest special teamers of all time. Despite Tasker’s impressive resume, he has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It led many to question whether the footballer would face similar challenges.

The decision regarding Matthew Slater’s HOF candidacy lies in the hands of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. His contributions to special teams have been invaluable to his teams. However, the question remains whether they will be deemed significant enough to warrant induction as the first non-kicking core special teamer.