Matthew Slater Thrilled Patriots Brought Him Back For 2019

The New England Patriots gave Matthew Slater another chance to play with the team, and he is more than happy about it.

The Patriots picked up Slater’s option for the 2019 season. He talked about it with ESPN’s Mike Reiss, and couldn’t hide his excitement.

“I was really excited to hear from Bill [Belichick] that they wanted me part of the team moving forward. I’m so thankful that the Patriots saw fit to continue to make an investment in me as a player and as a leader for our team,” Slater told Reiss. “I’m so glad I’ve been able to be here the entirety of my career; it really means a lot to me that I’ve been able to be in one place and be a part of such a great organization.”

The Patriots drafted Slater in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of UCLA. Last season, he totaled eleven tackles on special teams and was of great importance for the punt coverage in Super Bowl LIII.

“The years prior to this past one were challenging for me personally, dealing with injuries and having to battle through that. A lot of questions swirl around when you’re an older guy that gets hurt as to whether or not you can ever get yourself healthy again,” he told Reiss. “So I’m just thankful the good Lord gave me health this year and was able to be out there every practice and every game with my teammates and show that I can still play this game at a pretty decent level, which I feel I can still do.”

When asked about 2019, Slater said, “I think I’ve always approached my career as every year could be my last year because of the nature of my position and the unique role I have on the team as a core special teams player. Obviously, at this stage of my career, my wife and I have to have a conversation as our family grows and our kids grow up, and as we evolve, decisions aren’t just about what’s best for me. It’s about what’s best for my wife and for my children. We’re happy where we’re at now, and we’re just going to stay the course, thankful for the opportunity we have ahead of us and give it everything we got.”