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SLATER RETURNING TO PATRIOTS FOR 16TH SEASON
He’s back.
Special teams captain Matthew Slater is returning to the New England Patriots, the team announced last weekend.
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Slater, 37, will enter his 16th NFL in 2023, all with the Patriots. New England drafted Slater out of UCLA in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He’s a 12-time team captain, and his 10 Pro Bowl invitations are the most special-teams Pro Bowl honors in NFL history. The only other active players in 2022 who had 10-plus Pro Bowl invitations were Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, who had 15 and 10, respectively.
“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 owner Robert Kraft in a statement.
“Matthew’s drive to be the best at what he does will one day earn him enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Yet, as stellar as his football career has been, he is an even better person. He is led by his faith and spirituality, dedicated to his family and committed to his craft. There is no better leader for our younger players to follow and no better ambassador for the Patriots organization. He is truly special, and I am grateful that his contributions to the team will continue.” tude for a supportive front office.
“I’m just grateful,” said Mazzulla, “grateful that not many people get an opportunity to experience this, especially in the manner that I am with the players that I’m able to coach and the people I’m able to work for, and it’s for the Celtics. It is a dream come true, for sure.
“Ever since I’ve been here, even as an assistant, I’ve always felt their support, I’ve always felt their communication, I’ve always felt their honesty,” added Mazzulla. “So I always knew exactly where I stood, even though it was an interim position, I knew exactly where I stood. I knew I would get a fair shake, an opportunity.”
“Matt’s incredible career is a testament to his preparation and will to succeed,” said Patriots coach Bill Belichick in a statement. “We are thrilled he will be playing this season.”
