“One of the best to ever do it!” – Tom Brady’s ex-teammate Matthew Slater announcing his retirement turns NFL fans nostalgic on social media

Former Patriots HC Bill Belichick called Matthew Slater one of the best players he’s ever coached.

“One of the best to ever do it!” – Tom Brady’s ex-teammate Matthew Slater announcing his retirement turns NFL fans nostalgic on social media

Matthew Slater (Via CBS Sports)

After sixteen remarkable years in the NFL, Matthew Slater has announced his retirement from the football field, as he bid his last goodbye to fans. 

All those figures who made the New England Patriots the most dominating team for two whole decades are eventually parting ways with the franchise. Earlier it was the legendary quarterback Tom Brady, then legendary head coach Bill Belichick, and now, legendary special teams player– Slater. It truly is an overwhelming time for the Patriots fans! 

YouTube video

After winning three Super Bowls and making the first-team All-Pro squads five times, it was time for the 38-year-old to say goodbye to the NFL and his fans. Former Patriots head coach, Belichick called the 16-year pro “one of the best players he’s ever coached.” And it wouldn’t be long until he engraved his name in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

FS Video

Slater’s impact in the league isn’t limited to the football field, but also on the latest generation of New England players. In his 16 years in the league, the wide receiver played 239 career games and logged 191 tackles, in addition to, 10 Pro Bowl Selections and three Super Bowl rings. 

On his retirement, Slater released a statement from the official Patriots website, expressing his passion and love for football, since a young age as inspired by his father, Jackie Slater. He also thanked the Patriots for their support over the years. 

He wrote:

Pats Nation, it has been an honor to represent the silver, red, white, and blue for 16 years. Thank you for cheering, challenging, and supporting our team each and every year.
Matthew Slater wrote

Moreover, he also sent his gratitude to Patriots owner Robert Kraft and coach Belichick for putting their faith in him and letting him grow into what he is today. 

Patriots fans nostalgic for Matthew Slater’s retirement

It’s an emotional time for the whole Patriots team, those who previously played with the legendary wideout, those who learned from him, and the entire Patriots fanbase.

Legendary special team player Matthew Slater
Legendary special team player Matthew Slater (Via SI)

Slater’s retirement is surely not an easy goodbye for anyone, as many players sent their gratitude for his beautiful goodbye, while the fans felt nostalgic on social media. NFL reporter Ian Rapoport tweeted Slater’s heartfelt message, with the caption, “One of the best people to ever do it.”

One fan wrote, “Brady era has closed,” as most of his teammates are retired now as well as their head coach Belichick. Another fan wrote, “Retire his number. Should also be in the Pats HOF and NFL HOF. Legendary player and even better person. Congrats Slate!!” Here are some of the reactions:

https://twitter.com/alishah700/status/1759957813940371669

Fans honored Slater with the title of “legend” and “Absolute best,” as they bid the final goodbye to him. 

In case you missed it: