History of Matthew Slater in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2024

Matthew Wilson Slater is an American football coach and former wide receiver, currently serving as an advisor for the New England Patriots in the NFL. Slater had an illustrious 16-season career with the Patriots, primarily excelling as a special teams player. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest gunners in the history of the sport.

September 9, 1985: Birth of Matthew Slater

Matthew Wilson Slater was born on September 9, 1985. He would go on to become an American football coach and former wide receiver, known for his special teams prowess in the NFL, particularly with the New England Patriots.

2003: High School Track Achievements

In 2003, Matthew Slater excelled in high school track, tying for second in the 100 meters and placing fourth in the 200 meters at the CIF State meet. He was also part of the CIF champion 4 × 100 meters relay team and was named the Orange County Register Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

2004: Freshman Redshirt Season

In 2004, Matthew Slater appeared in games against Illinois, Arizona, and Stanford during his freshman redshirt season at UCLA.

2005: Sophomore Year Challenges

In 2005, as a reserve wide receiver, Matthew Slater missed the first three games due to a stress fracture in his left leg and played in two games without making a reception.

2006: Junior Year Contributions

In 2006, Matthew Slater played 13 games, excelling on kick coverage with nine tackles, including six solo tackles, and specializing in minimizing kick return yardage.

2007: Senior Year Records

In 2007, Matthew Slater set records at UCLA as a kick returner, with 986 kickoff return yards and three touchdowns. He was a first-team All-Pac-10 selection and led the nation in several kick return metrics.

2008: NFL Rookie Season

In 2008, Matthew Slater played in 14 NFL games during his rookie season with the New England Patriots, returning 11 kickoffs for 155 yards and recording 12 tackles on special teams.

2008: Slater Drafted by Patriots

Matthew Slater was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2008, beginning his long and successful career with the team.

2009: 2009 Season Highlights

In the 2009 season, Matthew Slater played in 14 games for the Patriots, recording six tackles on special teams and returning 11 kickoffs for 269 yards, including a career-high 35-yard kickoff return.

2010: Special Teams Tackles Leader

In 2010, Matthew Slater did not record any offensive or defensive statistics but led the New England Patriots with 21 special teams tackles in 15 games played.

2011: Special Teams Captain

In the 2011 season, Matthew Slater was voted as the special teams captain by his teammates, marking a significant leadership role in his career.

2012: 2012 Pro Bowl Selection

In 2012, Matthew Slater was selected for the Pro Bowl and the Pro Football Writers Association All-Pro teams. He also played in his first Super Bowl, though the Patriots lost to the New York Giants.

2012: United Way Representative

In 2012, Matthew Slater worked as the United Way representative for the New England Patriots, assisting in recruiting one million volunteers as part of the Patriots Celebrate Volunteerism campaign.

2012: Re-Signed with Patriots

In 2012, after becoming a free agent, Matthew Slater signed a three-year contract to return to the Patriots. He was voted Special Teams Captain and the team's player representative to the NFL Players Association.

2013: Slater Receives Community Service Award

In 2013, Matthew Slater was awarded the New England Patriots 11th Ron Burton Community Service Award by owner Robert Kraft for his strong commitment to community service and leadership.

November 26, 2014: Contract Extension

On November 26, 2014, Matthew Slater signed a two-year contract extension with the Patriots, securing his place on the team through the 2016 season.

2015: Fifth Pro Bowl Selection

In 2015, Matthew Slater earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection at the special teams position, solidifying his reputation as a standout player in the NFL.

August 31, 2016: One-Year Contract Extension

On August 31, 2016, Matthew Slater signed a one-year contract extension with the Patriots, ensuring his tenure with the team through the 2017 season.

October 25, 2016: Hurricane Matthew Fundraiser

On October 25, 2016, Matthew Slater hosted a fundraiser to benefit Hurricane Matthew victims, raising over $60,000 for Samaritan's Purse to aid recovery efforts in the Carolinas and Haiti.

2016: Super Bowl XLIX Victory

In 2016, Matthew Slater earned a Super Bowl ring as the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX, winning 28-24.

January 4, 2017: Bart Starr Award

On January 4, 2017, Matthew Slater was announced as the winner of the Bart Starr Award, given annually to a player who exemplifies character and leadership on and off the field.

February 5, 2017: Super Bowl LI Victory

On February 5, 2017, Matthew Slater was part of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl LI, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime. He played a crucial role as the special teams captain.

2017: Record Seventh Pro Bowl

In 2017, despite injuries, Matthew Slater was named to a record seventh consecutive Pro Bowl, tying for the most special teams Pro Bowl honors in NFL history.

March 20, 2018: Slater Re-signs with Patriots

On March 20, 2018, Matthew Slater re-signed with the New England Patriots on a two-year contract.

March 13, 2020: Slater Signs Contract Extension

On March 13, 2020, Matthew Slater signed a two-year contract extension with the New England Patriots, becoming the longest active member of the team after Tom Brady's departure and Stephen Gostkowski's release.

December 21, 2020: Slater Named to 2020 Pro Bowl

On December 21, 2020, Matthew Slater was named to the 2020 Pro Bowl, extending his NFL record for most special teams Pro Bowl honors with nine selections.

2020: Slater Family Foundation Founded

In 2020, Matthew Slater and his wife founded the Slater Family Foundation, reflecting their commitment to philanthropy. Slater is also noted for his Christian faith.

2021: Slater's Standout Season

During the 2021 season, Matthew Slater was a standout on special teams, finishing the regular season with 11 tackles and adding two more in the Wild Card Round. He made his tenth Pro Bowl and was a Second-team All-Pro selection for the third time.

2021: Support for Compassion International

In 2021, Matthew Slater chose Compassion International's 'Fill The Stadium' initiative for his 'My Cause My Cleats' campaign, showing his support for the charity.

March 14, 2022: Slater Signs One-Year Extension

On March 14, 2022, Matthew Slater signed a one-year contract extension with the New England Patriots, appearing in all 17 games and taking part in a large majority of special teams snaps over the season.

February 17, 2023: Slater Signs Another Extension

On February 17, 2023, Matthew Slater signed another one-year contract extension with the New England Patriots.

February 20, 2024: Slater Announces Retirement

On February 20, 2024, Matthew Slater announced his retirement from football.

2024: Slater Joins Patriots Coaching Staff

During the 2024 off-season, Matthew Slater was hired by New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo to be on his staff in a 'right-hand man' capacity, utilizing his extensive experience as a special-teams captain to support player development and team building.