Former NFL Special Teams Standout Joins High School Staff in Massachusetts

Matthew Slater was an All-Pro honoree who played for the New England Patriots for 16 years

New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium during the 2023 season. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Former New England Patriots All-Pro Matthew Slater is returning to the sidelines, joining the Boston College High School football staff in a newly created leadership role, the Patriots announced Tuesday.

Patriots Legend Joins BC High Staff

Under head coach Paul Zukauskas, Slater will serve as Assistant Head Coach for Leadership and Player Development.

Slater was previously a special assistant to former Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo in 2024.

Boston College High School made an official announcement on social media.

“It is a privilege to work alongside a school so deeply committed to developing young men of character,” Slater said. “Football is one of the greatest classrooms for teaching life's most important lessons.”

Slater’s All-Pro NFL Career

Slater spent all 16 NFL seasons with the Patriots after being selected in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of UCLA.

Now a Patriots legend, Slater was a team captain, two-time first-team All-Pro selection, 10-time Pro Bowler, and recipient of both the Bart Starr Award and Art Rooney Award.

Slater was a member of New England’s three Super Bowl championship teams (XLIX, LI, LIII). He was also selected to the Patriots’ All-2010s and All-Dynasty Teams.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest special teams players in NFL history, Slater built his reputation as an elite gunner on kick coverage units.

Slater’s Father is a Hall of Famer

Slater is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jackie Slater who played for the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams from 1976 to 1995. Nicknamed “Big Bad Jackie,” he was a 4-time second team All-Pro offensive tackle and 7-time Pro Bowler who had his No. 78 retired by the Rams.

Eagles Look to Turn Things Around

Slater joins a Boston College High program looking to rebound after finishing 4-7 in 2025. Boston College High School opens its 2026 season against Central Catholic on September 11.

“BC High’s newly created role places an emphasis on leadership and player development, areas where Slater's reputation is unmatched. His career was built on accountability, professionalism and a team-first approach that made him one of the most respected voices in the Patriots locker room,” said Mike Dussault of Patriots.com.

“For nearly two decades, Matthew Slater helped define what it meant to be a Patriot. Now, he'll bring those lessons to BC High, where a new generation of players will benefit from one of New England football's most respected leaders.”