It’s not so much the fact Matthew Slater is retiring after 16 seasons and an astonishing 239 games.
That we got him for this one final season wasan unexpected and pleasant surprise.
One of the few positives in an otherwise dismal 2023.
No, the story of today is the way he’s called it a career.
We spent every summer in Meridian, Mississippi visiting my grandparents.
I remember those days more clearly than I remember his games.
They weren’t glamorous.
There was no crowd around to cheer him on.
There were no lights flashing.
There were no critics critiquing.
Just a man, my hero, dedicating himself to the game he loved so much.
Never burdened by the work, he understood it was a blessing to do what he loved.
It was a gift from the Lord.
To experience the love that my hero had for the game in word and deed was transformative.
I soon began to develop those same feelings for the game that had been so good to our family.
I have given all that I possibly can to respect and honor the game.
In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams.
In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had.
Thank you for cheering, challenging and supporting our team each and every year.
We are beyond humbled and blessed.
You the fans make an NFL player’s experience what it is.
Thank you for supporting not only me but our great game.
My story in football is not my own.
I have been supported by hundreds of people along the way.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank some of them now.
Mom, you are the backbone of our family.
You sacrificed so much, and your belief in me never wavered.
I love you all.
OK, I’m going to need a moment here.
Because I would be the dictionary definition of “public spectacle” right now.
Including the headline, I’ve now mentioned the Hall of Fame twice.
And that is by design.
Because in no uncertain terms Matthew Slater belongs in Canton.
Not by unanimous vote.
Not on the first ballot necessarily.
With 10 Pro Bowls and two All Pros.
There is still some resistance to putting special teamers in the Hall.
So far the only pure kickers to get in are Morten Andersen and Jan Stenerud.
Ray Guy is the only punter.
Slater will be something different entirely.
A pioneer, blazing a trail for all those who impact a game by blocking and tackling on STs.
His candidacy will be a referendum on whether gunners are respected among the football intelligentsia.
I have to admit my own biases here.
And I got dragged for it by people saying he could never surpass Troy Brown or Larry Izzo.
But I never wavered.
And that was a thousand split double teams ago.
Hundreds of punt covers where he was in the returner’s face as the ball got to him.
And dozens upon dozens of forced fair catches that flipped the field and made a difference in the outcome.
And it’s personal with me.
Oftentimes in the years I was at WEEI the team would send Slater for our Patriots Monday interview.
Only to realize he just gave you more articulate version of “It is what it is.”
But one that made you feel happy to be talking to the man.
So don’t go by me.
I can’t pretend to be neutral when it comes to Matthew Slater.
Consider instead what the greatest football historian of our times says about him.
And the mighty company in which he places him:
Congratulations on an unparalleled career.
Training camp without watching you outwork everyone on the special teams field will not be the same.
