Matthew Slater Praises Bill Belichick for Handling of Isaiah Bolden Injury

The Patriots veteran said it was one of the “proudest” moments of his 16 seasons with the team.

It was a scary scene Saturday night at Lambeau Field when Patriots rookie cornerback Isaiah Bolden was taken off the field on a stretcher in the fourth quarter of a preseason game between New England and Green Bay.

Bolden suffered a hit to the head, and both teams were noticeably concerned, leading to the teams’ deciding to suspend the preseason game with 10 minutes remaining. Subsequently, the longest-tenured player on New England’s roster lauded coach Bill Belichick for the decision. 

“I really appreciate what Coach Belichick did,” Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater told reporters, according to NESN. “He took the initiative on that. Look, this is not the AFC championship. We’re not playing for records. It’s preseason game two. When you have an injury like that, it affects a lot of guys in a lot of different ways. Clearly, our team was shaken by what happened, and I think coach made the right decision.

“I think that was tremendous leadership by him,” Slater continued. “I have to say honestly, that was one of the proudest moments I’ve had as a guy who’s played for him for now 16 years, to see what he did. There was no hesitation. And I appreciate [Packers] Coach [Matt] LaFleur, as well, for standing with him. I think everybody acted swiftly, and it was the right call in this situation.”

To say this is the proudest he’s felt under Belichick is no small compliment. Slater, a core special teams player, has won three Super Bowls under Belichick and is a 10-time Pro Bowler with New England. His comments were followed by some much-needed good news Sunday morning. 

The Patriots announced that Bolden has been released from a Green Bay hospital, and he will travel home with the team.