'Our Captain' Slater Thanks Patriots Fans After Jets Loss, Final Game?

New England Patriots team captain Matthew Slater showed his appreciation for Pats fans in the aftermath of their loss to the New York Jets, and perhaps, the final game of his career.

As the New England Patriots walked from the snow-covered field at Gillette Stadium, having suffered a 17-3 loss to the New York Jets in their season-finale, a beloved team captain took a few extra minutes to savor the moment. 

While a season-ending loss to a 4-13 campaign may hardly seem like the time to become sentimental, special teams ace Matthew Slater, is rumored to be calling it a career after 16 NFL seasons, all spent with the Patriots. Though Slater has yet to make his decision official, he did take a moment to provide a message to a fan base by which he is justly adored. 

A message from Cap. pic.twitter.com/6DwFtNECm0

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 7, 2024

Slater, who is one of the most revered Patriots players in the organization’s history, was honored by his teammates during pre-game warmups, who donned a blue hoodie adorned by the words “The Patriot” on the front, with “Captain” and his number “18” on the back. Despite the sense of finality to his postgame conduct, Slater once again demonstrated his commitment to commend his teammates resolve throughout a difficult season. 

“Let’s talk about that another day,” Slater responded from his postgame podium when asked about his future. “Just want to express my thanks to those guys in the locker room today. Very appreciative of all the love and support I’ve received… I’m just proud to be a part of that group.”

New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) talks to the media after the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium / Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Having spent his entirety of his gridiron tenure with New England, Slater has become one of the NFL’s most respected players, both on and off the field. In fact, he is often considered the standard to which his teammates (and even his coaches) hold themselves accountable. A 13-time team captain, he has earned two first-team All-Pro selections (2016, 2019), three second team All-Pro (2017, 2020, 2021) and 10 Pro Bowl nods, the most by a special teamer in NFL history.

For all of his on-field success, the argument can be made that Slater is equally respected off the field. The Pats captain takes great pride in his role as a mentor for many of the team’s younger players — not only leading them throughout the game, but also offering his wisdom and advice away from it.

As most of the NFL universe hungrily awaits word on the fate of Belichick as Patriots coach and de facto general manager, Slater continues to remain one of his staunchest advocates. Just days earlier, Belichick lauded Slater as a “perfect player,” deserving of enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Slater returned the sentiments, in kind, when reflecting on the impact Belichick has had on the team — especially himself.  

“Without coach, I’m not standing up here talking to you,” Slater said with an emotional undertone. “He took a chance on me. A lot of people when I got here thought I got drafted because of my dad… he’s the best coach to ever coach this game … I mean, it was hard, but I saw no quit in Bill Belichick this season.”

'Frostboro' Farewell: Belichick, Patriots Buried By Snow, Jets

Although an official announcement has been issued for either the playing future of Matthew Slater, or the coaching future of Bill Belichick, Sunday’s snowy afternoon seemed to carry an ‘end of an era’ aura — especially for Slater. Whether it be sharing a postgame hug with teammates and competitors, or a locker room visit from team owner Robert Kraft, Slater seemed to be at peace with his time on a professional football field. 

Still, the 38-year-old found the time to think of others before himself by ceding the postgame spotlight to his coaches and teammates.

For Matthew Slater it is all about “team” … and it appears that it will always be that way. 

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