Matthew Slater has been given a new role by the New England Patriots after retiring following the 2023 season, with the special teams ace remaining with the team

Matthew Slater, the recently retired star of the New England Patriots, has been given a new role as an advisor to the team. The 38-year-old is considered by the legendary former coach Bill Belichick as the best “core special teams player in NFL history.”

The Patriots began their offseason program on Monday, marking a new era under Jerod Mayo, who took over from Belichick after a disappointing 2023 season. Despite retiring from the playing squad, Slater was seen back at the team facility, interacting with his old teammates.

The news of his role was revealed by safety Jabrill Peppers, who said: “It said advisor – whatever that means,” and added, “As long as I get to bounce some knowledge off of him and see him around the locker room, having Slate in the locker room, he uplifted spirits and always knew what to say. So I’m definitely happy we kept him in the building.”

It’s no surprise that the Patriots have decided to keep a highly respected figure like Slater involved with the team. In a heartfelt tribute, former head coach Belichick praised him as the best “core special teams player in NFL history.”

Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots’ former head coach, praised Matthew Slater, saying: “Matthew Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive. He is a once-in-a-lifetime person, and the best core special teams player in NFL history,” Belichick said.

“His daily, weekly, and yearly work ethic, paved the way for his unsurpassed performance. Matthew is the finest example of what an intense competitor and human being should be. He has been a great role model for the teams players and coaches) that I have coached.

“Matthew is exceedingly kind, and supremely loved and respected by all his peers. I am one of many who feel incredibly blessed to be his teammate, coach, and friend.”

Belichick previously said: “I would say this guy’s been as productive as has ever been at his position throughout his entire career, which is very lengthy. So I think he’s the best that’s ever done what he’s done.

“Whether that’s Hall of Fame-worthy or not, that’s a different subject that I’m not – I don’t have a say in. But I can’t imagine putting anybody in there ahead of him at that position.”

Slater, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, said of Belichick in his retirement statement: “To Coach Belichick: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pursue my childhood dream. Thank you for your belief in me.

“You took a chance on me and kept me around when many would not have. It is a great honor to know that I played for the best coach in the history of our league.”