![New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft talks with Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 18, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2022/01/Matthew-Slater-Robert-Kraft-Patriots-copy.jpg)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft talks with Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 18, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
On Tuesday, longtime New England Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater made it official, announcing his retirement after 16 seasons in the NFL. Slater’s retirement had been foreshadowed late in the 2023 season.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments Slater was a tone-setter off the field for the Patriots’ organization for most of his career. He was a team captain his final 13 seasons with the team, an NFLPA rep, and was involved in many of the team’s off-field initiatives.
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Given Slater’s meaning to the organization, it wasn’t surprising to see the tributes that poured in for him following his announcement. Many came in the form of replies on Instagram and other social media outlets, but key members of the organization, past and present, issues full statements.
Owner Robert Kraft and current head coach Jerod Mayo both released statements through the team. Meanwhile, former head coach Bill Belichick released a statement to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Here’s what they had to say…