Matthew Slater is a former American football player who played as a wide receiver and special teams player in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on September 9, 1985, in Orange, California, and attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he played college football.
Slater was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a valuable special teams player, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. He was also named a First-Team All-Pro in 2016 and 2017.
Throughout his career, Slater was known for his speed, agility, and ability to make big plays on special teams. He was a key contributor to the Patriots' success, helping them win three Super Bowl championships in 2015, 2017, and 2019.
In addition to his special teams contributions, Slater also played as a wide receiver for the Patriots. Although he was not a primary receiver, he made several important catches throughout his career, including a touchdown catch in the 2017 AFC Championship game.
Off the field, Slater was known for his leadership and character. He was a two-time winner of the Bart Starr Award, which recognizes players who demonstrate outstanding character and leadership in the community. He was also active in several charitable organizations, including the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and the International Justice Mission.
Slater announced his retirement from the NFL on May 18, 2021, after 13 seasons with the Patriots. He finished his career with 1,033 special teams snaps, the most in franchise history, and was widely regarded as one of the best special teams players of his generation.
Overall, Matthew Slater had a successful career in the NFL, earning numerous accolades and helping his team win multiple championships. He was a respected leader both on and off the field, and his contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.
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