Photo: (Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — New England Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater will return for a 16th season, the Patriots announced Friday.
The 37-year-old Slater joined the Patriots as a fifth-round draft pick in the 2018 NFL draft out of UCLA. He has played in a combined 248 regular season and playoff games for the organization, the second most in history behind Tom Brady's 326, and won three Super Bowls as part of the team.
"It is a great honor and blessing to return to the Patriots for my 16th season," said Slater. "I thank God for His continued grace and provision over my career. I look forward to continuing to play under the leadership of Coach Belichick. Thank you to the Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization for allowing me to continue to pursue my childhood dream. See you in the fall. God Bless."
Slater has been voted special teams captain for the Patriots for 12 seasons straight and has earned 10 Pro Bowl invitations as a special teamer, the most special teams Pro Bowl honors in NFL history.
"I couldn’t be happier to learn that Matthew Slater has decided to return for his 16th season with the New England Patriots," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "Matthew’s drive to be the best at what he does will one day earn him enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
"Matt’s incredible career is a testament to his preparation and will to succeed," said head coach Bill Belichick. "We are thrilled he will be playing this season."
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