Matthew Slater

WR

#18

Experience: 12 years

Height: 6-0

Age: 33

Weight: 205 lbs

College: UCLA

2018 SEASON

Advertising

Recent Games

WK	OPP	RESULT
17	Jets	W 38 - 3
16	Bills	W 24 - 12
15	@Steelers	L 10 - 17
14	@Dolphins	L 33 - 34
13	Vikings	W 24 - 10
12	@Jets	W 27 - 13
10	@Titans	L 10 - 34
9	Packers	W 31 - 17
8	@Bills	W 25 - 6
7	@Bears	W 38 - 31
6	Chiefs	W 43 - 40
5	Colts	W 38 - 24
4	Dolphins	W 38 - 7
3	@Lions	L 10 - 26
2	@Jaguars	L 20 - 31
1	Texans	W 27 - 20

Career Stats

WR TE Career

SEASON	TEAM	G	GS	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	ATT	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	FUM	LOST
2008	New England Patriots	14	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1
2009	New England Patriots	14	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	6	6	6	0	0	0
2010	New England Patriots	15	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2011	New England Patriots	16	3	1	46	46	46	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1
2012	New England Patriots	16	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2013	New England Patriots	12	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2014	New England Patriots	16	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2015	New England Patriots	16	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2016	New England Patriots	13	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	5	5	5	0	2	1
2017	New England Patriots	9	0
2018	New England Patriots	16	0
TOTAL		157	3	1	46	4.18	46	0	2	11	1	6	0	5	3

Biography

Matthew Slater was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round (153rd overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS

Matthew Slater was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round (153rd overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Named to seven straight Pro Bowls from 2011 to 2017 as a special teams player.
Named to the Associated Press All-Pro: First Team for the first time in his career in 2016. Also earned Associated Press All-Pro: Second Team honors in 2017.
Was elected special teams captain by his teammates from 2011-18.
Has played wide receiver, safety and a major role on special teams in his 10 NFL seasons.
Led the team in special teams tackles three straight seasons: 21 in 2010, 17 in 2011, 20 in 2012. Missed four games due to injury in 2013 and still finished second on the team with 14 special teams tackles, just one behind the team leader. Again led the team with 14 special teams tackles in 2014 and 17 in 2015. Has led the team in this category in five of his first 10 seasons.

SEASONAL REVIEWS

2018 (16/0, 3/0)

Elected special teams captain by his teammates for the eighth consecutive season.
Contributed on special teams with one special teams tackle in the season-opening victory vs. Houston (9/9), one special teams tackle at Jacksonville (9/16) and one at Detroit (9/23).
Contributed on special teams for the win vs. Miami (9/30).
Made one special teams tackle during the victory vs. Indianapolis (10/4).
Contributed on special teams during the win vs. Kansas City (10/14).
Made one special teams tackle during the victory at Chicago (10/21).
Contributed mostly on special teams while also appearing on offense during the final kneel-downs of the victory at Buffalo (10/29).
Appeared on offense during a goal line situation but contributed mostly on special teams where he finished with two special teams tackles in the win vs. Green Bay (11/4).
Contributed on special teams in the matchup at Tennessee (11/11) and in the win at the New York Jets (11/25).
Made one special teams tackle in the win vs. Minnesota (12/2).
Contributed on special teams at Miami (12/9) and at Pittsburgh (12/16).
Contributed on special teams with two special teams tackles in the win vs. Buffalo (12/23). Also had a partially-blocked punt late in the fourth quarter.
Made one special teams tackle in the win vs. the New York Jets (12/30).
Made two special teams tackles, becoming the Patriots all-time leader in postseason special teams tackles, during the victory vs. L.A. Chargers in the AFC Divisional Playoff (1/13).
Contributed on special teams in the AFC Championship victory at Kansas City (1/20).
Made one tackle on special teams in the Super Bowl LIII victory vs. the Los Angeles Rams (2/3).

2017 (9/0, 3/0)

Elected special teams captain by his teammates for the seventh consecutive season.
Was voted to the Pro Bowl as a special teamer for the seventh straight year, matching Steve Tasker (1987, 90-95) for most special teams Pro Bowl honors in NFL history. Became the only special teamer to earn seven consecutive Pro Bowl honors.
Named to the Associated Press All-Pro: Second Team and the Pro Football Writers Association All-AFC Team as a special teamer.
Played in nine regular-season games as a reserve, appearing mostly on special teams and made seven tackles.
Appeared in all three playoff contests as a reserve and posted two special teams tackles.
Was inactive due to injury for seven games.
Made his first appearance of the season after returning from injury and contributed on special teams in the victory at Tampa Bay (10/5).
Contributed on special teams with two tackles in the win at Denver (11/12).
Appeared on offense for the final kneel downs of the game and contributed on special teams with a special teams tackle in the Divisional Playoff victory vs. Tennessee (1/13).
Contributed on special teams with tackle in the AFC Championship victory vs. Jacksonville (1/21)

2016 (13/0, 3/0)

Elected special teams captain by his teammates for the sixth consecutive season.
Was voted to the Pro Bowl for the sixth straight year as a special teamer and named to the Associate Press All Pro: First Team for the first time in his career.
Played in 13 regular-season games, mainly on special teams and made six tackles. Had one rushing attempt for five yards and returned three kickoffs for 52 yards.
Appeared in all three playoff games and made two special teams tackles.
Was inactive due to injury in the win at N.Y. Jets (11/27), vs. Los Angeles (12/4) and vs. N.Y. Jets (12/24).
Registered a season-high two special teams tackles vs. Buffalo (10/2).
Recorded the second rushing attempt of his career and his first since 2009 on a five-yard run in the win at Cleveland (10/9).
Totaled two special teams tackles in the Divisional Playoff win vs. Houston (1/14).
Was a key contributor on special teams during the teams victory over Atlanta in Super Bowl LI (2/5).

2015 (16/0, 2/0)

Elected special teams captain by his teammates for the fifth consecutive season.
Was voted to the Pro Bowl for the fifth straight year as a special teamer.
Played primarily on special teams in all 16 regular-season games and led the Patriots with 17 special teams tackles.
Played in both playoff contests and made one special teams tackle.
Continued to see limited action on offense while contributing heavily on special teams. Also posted one defensive tackle on a fake punt in the win vs. Jacksonville (9/27).
Saw limited action on offense and recorded a season-high four special teams tackles in the win vs. Washington (11/8).
Contributed on special teams and recorded two special teams tackles in the win at N.Y. Giants (11/15).
Contributed on special teams, recording one special teams tackle in the AFC Championship at Denver (1/24).

2014 (16/0, 3/0)

Elected special teams captain by his teammates for the fourth consecutive season.
Earned his fourth straight Pro Bowl as a special teamer after leading the Patriots with 14 special teams stops.
Recorded one special teams tackle in the Super Bowl XLIX win vs. Seattle (2/1/15). Was also on the field for the final two kneel downs.
Posted one special teams tackle in the AFC Championship win vs. Indianapolis (1/18/15).
Contributed on special teams in the AFC Divisional win vs. Baltimore (1/10/15).
Led the team with two special teams tackles in the win at N.Y. Jets (12/21).
Took down kickoff returner Donald Brown at the Chargers 13-yard line after just an eight-yard return in the fourth quarter of the win at San Diego (12/7).
Tallied one special teams stop at Green Bay (11/30).
Posted one special teams tackle in the win vs. Detroit (11/23).
Tripped up KR Chris Williams at the Bears nine-yard line in the second quarter of the win vs. Chicago (10/26), causing him to be brought down at the 11-yard line. The Bears went three-and-out and Julian Edelman returned a punt 42 yards to set up another Patriots score, extending the lead to 31-7.
Made two solo special teams tackles in the win vs. Cincinnati (10/5), and now has 100 career special teams stops.
Led the team with three special teams tackles at Kansas City, limiting PR Frankie
ammond to three yards on two returns.
Led the team with three special teams stops in the win vs. Oakland (9/21), including a tackle on PR T.J. Carrie for a 1-yard loss on a first-quarter punt return. Also returned his first kickoff of the season for 26 yards.
Played on special teams in the first two games of the season.

2013 (12/0, 2/1)

Elected special teams captain by his teammates for the third consecutive season.
Elected to the Pro Bowl for the third straight year as a special teamer.
Played in 12 regular-season games and finished second on the team with 14 special teams tackles. Also returned two kickoffs for 10 yards.
Played in both playoff contests and made one start at wide receiver vs. Indianapolis in the Divisional Playoff (1/11). Led the team with three special teams tackles.
Was inactive due to injury vs. Tampa Bay (9/22), at Atlanta (9/29), at Cincinnati (10/6) and vs. New Orleans (10/13).
Returned to action at N.Y. Jets (10/20) after missing four games with an injury and made one special teams tackle.
Made his first career postseason start at wide receiver vs. Indianapolis (1/11) and notched two special teams tackles.

2012 (16/0, 2/0)

Played in all 16 regular-season games and both playoff games and led the team with 20 special teams tackles. Also returned two kickoffs for 39 yards (19.5 avg) in the regular season and one for 19 yards in the playoffs.
Elected special teams captain by his teammates for the second consecutive season. Elected to his second straight Pro Bowl as a special teams player.
Made three special teams tackles in the win at Miami (12/2), including one on the Dolphins' first drive when Miami muffed a punt and Slater made the stop deep in the Dolphins territory.

2011 (16/3, 3/0)

Appeared in three postseason games, primarily on special teams and made one tackle.
Played primarily on special teams against the N.Y. Giants (2/5) and Baltimore (1/22).
Played primarily on special teams and made tackle against Denver (1/14).
Earned his first career Pro Bowl invitation as a special teams player.
Was elected captain for the first time by his teammates.
Appeared in all 16 games and made three starts on defense at safety. Finished with 10 tackles, 17 special teams tackles, one forced fumble and caught one pass for 46 yards on offense.
Saw action as a reserve in win over the Bills (1/1).
Saw action as a reserve against the Dolphins (12/24).
Started his thrid straight game at safety and made one tackle on defense and a season-high four special teams tackles at Denver (12/18).
Started his second straight game at safety, finishing with one tackle on defense and one special teams tackle in Washington (12/11).
Was elected captain for the first time by his teammates.
Made his first career start as a safety on defense, made seven tackles and forced a fumble that the Patriots recovered and led to a touchdown in a win over Indianapolis (12/4).
Saw action on special teams and as a reserve on offense against the Eagles (11/27).
Registered one special teams tackle against Kansas City (11/21).
Made a season-high three special teams tackles against the Jets (11/13).
Played special teams Giants (11/6), making one tackle and returning one kickoff for 10 yards.
Played special teams, registering one tackle against the Steelers (10/30).
Played mainly on special teams in win over the Cowboys (10/16).
Made one special teams tackle against the Jets (10/9).
Made one special teams tackle and saw time at wide receiver in Oakland (10/2).
Recorded one special teams tackle at Buffalo (9/25).
Made one special teams tackle on a punt to drop the Chargers for a loss of two yards on the return (9/18).
Recorded his first NFL reception, a 46-yard pass from Tom Brady in the first quarter against the Dolphins. Also made one special teams tackle and returned a kickoff 22 yards (9/12).

2010 (11/0)

Recorded three special teams tackles against the Jets (12/6).
Played on special teams against the Colts (11/21) and Lions (11/25).
Made one special teams tackle against the Steelers (11/14).
Tallied two special teams tackles against the Browns (11/7).
Was inactive against the Vikings (10/31).
Saw time on special teams against the Ravens (10/17) and Chargers (10/24).
Played on special teams against the Dolphins (10/4).
Saw time at wide receiver as well as on special teams (two tackles) against the Bills (9/26).
Had two special teams tackles in both the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals (9/12) and in week two against the Jets (9/19).

2009 (14/0, 1/0)

Played in 14 games and finished with 269 kickoff return yards on 11 returns, seven special teams tackles and one rushing attempt for six yards.
Was inactive for the first two games due to an injury suffered during the preseason.
Majority of his playing time was on special teams as a kickoff returner and on the kickoff coverage, punt and punt coverage teams.
Made his 2009 debut vs. Atlanta (9/27).
Had his first NFL offensive touch at Buffalo (12/20) with a 6-yard gain on an end around in the second quarter.
Had a career-high 35-yard kickoff return in the regular-season finale at Houston (1/3).
Played in a reserve role at wide receiver and on special teams coverage units in the postseason game vs. Baltimore (1/10). Had two kickoff returns for 46 yards and one special teams tackle.

2008 (14/0)

Played in 14 games and was inactive for two contests, while finishing second on the team with 13 special teams tackles as a rookie in 2008.
Made his NFL debut against Kansas City (9/7).
Led the team in special teams tackles once (at SEA) and tied for the team lead in special teams tackles twice (vs. KC, at OAK) in 2008.
Tied for the team lead with two special teams tackles against Kansas City (9/7).
Made one special teams tackle and returned one kickoff for a 28-yard gain against Denver (10/20).
Led the team with three special teams tackles, including two solo stops at Seattle (12/7).
Tied for the team lead with two special teams tackles at Oakland (12/14).
Saw action at wide receiver, safety and on special teams coverage and return units against Arizona (12/21).

COLLEGE

Played at UCLA for four seasons from 2004-07 after redshirting in 2003.
In 2007, was named to the first-team All-Pacific-10 conference team as the kick returner and named to SI.com's All-America Team as a kick returner.
Slater's three touchdowns in 2007 set new UCLA and Pac-10 records for kickoff return touchdowns in a season and a career.
He tied for the national lead with three touchdowns on kickoff returns in 2007.
His average of 29.0 is the highest in UCLA history among players with at least 20 kickoff returns in a season.
He appeared in all 13 games in 2006 and excelled on kick coverage.
As a reserve wide receiver in 2005, he saw action in two games.

EXTRA POINTS

Matthew has been active in various children's ministries programs at his hometown church and he hopes to pursue seminary study in his post-football career.

PERSONAL

Matthew Wilson Slater was born the son of Jackie and Annie Slater on Sept. 9, 1985.
Lettered in football for two seasons at Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif.
As a senior, he caught 39 passes for 707 yards and five touchdowns.
A standout performer in track, finishing second (tied) at the CIF State meet in the 100m (10.67) and fourth in the 200m (21.39).
His father is a former Los Angeles Ram and NFL Hall of Fame offensive lineman.
Has one brother, David.
Enjoys participating in children’s ministries with his church in his spare time.
Was an honor roll student at UCLA and majored in political science.
Matthew and his wife, Shahrzad, have a son, Jeremiah and a daughter, Hannah.

HONORS & AWARDS

2017

Team Captain
Pro Bowl
Associated Press All-Pro: Second Team
PFWA All-AFC Team

2016

Team Captain
Bart Starr Award Winner
Pro Bowl
Associated Press All-Prto: First Team
PFWA All-NFL Team
PFWA All-AFCT Team

2015

Team Captain
Pro Bowl

2014

Team Captain
Pro Bowl
Pro Football Writer's Association All-NFL Team

2013

Team Captain
Pro Bowl
PFWA All-AFC Team (special teams)

2012

Team Captain
Pro Bowl

2011

Team Captain
Pro Bowl

video

Matthew Slater: 'Thankful for another opportunity, another year'

Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater addresses the media at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, April 16, 2019.

video

Best of Matthew Slater

Best of Matthew Slater's meeting with the media at Gillette Stadium.

video

Matthew Slater: 'It's an exciting time of year'

Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater addresses the media at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Read Full Transcript >>

video

Slater is Here to Stay

How do we feel about Matthew Slater returning to New England?!

video

Matthew Slater 1/25: 'This is what you work for'

Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater addresses the media at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, January 25, 2018.

video

One-On-One With Matthew Slater

Steve Burton sits down with Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater to discuss the importance of staying focused during the playoffs.

video

'47 Seconds with Matthew Slater

We quiz special teams captain Matthew Slater to see how well he knows his teammates in 47 seconds.

video

Tunnel Vision: Matthew Slater

We caught up with Special Teams Captain Matthew Slater straight off the practice field. Hear what he has to say about the win over the Steelers, preparing for the Bills and being named to the Pro Bowl.

video

One-On-One With Matthew Slater

Steve Burton sits down with Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater to discuss how the Patriots can bounce back from their disappointing loss in Miami.

video

Remembering a heads up play in Super Bowl LI

Devin McCourty recalls Matthew Slater's heads up play in Super Bowl LI.

video

Matthew Slater 4/11: 'It'll be good to be back on Monday'

Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater addresses the media at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.

video

Patriots captain delivers new Pepsi Super Bowl LI cans

Patriots fans got the opportunity to meet Matthew Slater and check out the new Pepsi Super Bowl LI commemorative cans at the Big Y in Walpole on Wednesday. Check it out on this edition of Toyota's Patriots Today.

video

Super Bowl Memories: Matthew Slater

Matthew Slater reflects on what he is most looking forward to playing in the Super Bowl and what it means to him.

video

Matthew Slater 1/18: 'Our focus is on what they do well'

Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater addresses the media during his press conference at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, January 18, 2017.

video

Patriots Press Pass: 'It's all or nothing'

Matthew Slater, Chris Hogan, Nate Solder and Trey Flowers address the media in the locker room on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. Check out what they have to say about facing the Steelers in the AFC Championship game on this edition of Toyota's Patriots Today.

video

Slater on approach to the playoffs and Texans

Watch Steve Burton's full interview with Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater. Then tune in to WBZ-TV at 7:00pm on Friday to watch a live edition of Patriots All Access or stream it on Patriots.com.

video

Watch Matthew Slater learn that he is the winner of the Bart Starr Award

This February, Matthew Slater will be presented with the 2017 Bart Starr Award, and, on this edition of Toyota's Patriots Today, you can see Slater's reaction when he learns that he will be this year's recipient and hear what he has to say about the honor.

video

Matthew Slater on getting ready to play the 49ers

Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater addresses the media during his press conference at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, November 16, 2016.

video

Matthew Slater 11/2: 'Collins was a great teammate'

Patriots Special Teams Captain Matthew Slater addresses the media during his press conference at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, November 2, 2016.

video

Matthew vs. Matthew: Matthew Slater hosts fundraiser to help relief efforts after Hurricane Matthew

On this edition of Toyota's Patriots Today, Patriots captain Matthew Slater and wife Shahrzad, along with the help of multiple Patriots players, raise more than $68,000 to help those affected by Hurricane Matthew.

video

Hall of Fame Fathers: Chris Long and Matthew Slater on football, family and fatherhood

Patriots teammates Chris Long and Matthew Slater are celebrating Father's Day as first-time dads this Sunday, and they share their thoughts on growing up in football families.

video

Matthew Slater visits patients at MGH

Watch as Matthew Slater surprises patients at Massachusetts General Hospital, including Richard Graham, a Patriots season ticket member who postponed his cancer treatment until after the Super Bowl.

video

Patriots vs. Eagles: Special Forces

Sunday's showdown features two of NFL's best special teams units.

video

You Won't: Miranda vs. Matthew Slater

In our newest segment, Miranda Mason challenges Matthew Slater to a game of Spectacle. See who wins!

video

Bill Belichick 8/11: 'Looking forward to seeing all the players play'

Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick addresses the media during his training camp press conference at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, August 11, 2015. Read the full transcript here.

Advertising

Advertising

Matthew Slater

WR

#18

2018 SEASON

Advertising

Recent Games

Career Stats

WR TE Career

Biography

Related Videos

Matthew Slater: 'Thankful for another opportunity, another year'

Best of Matthew Slater

Matthew Slater: 'It's an exciting time of year'

Slater is Here to Stay

Matthew Slater 1/25: 'This is what you work for'

One-On-One With Matthew Slater

'47 Seconds with Matthew Slater

Tunnel Vision: Matthew Slater

One-On-One With Matthew Slater

Remembering a heads up play in Super Bowl LI

Matthew Slater 4/11: 'It'll be good to be back on Monday'

Patriots captain delivers new Pepsi Super Bowl LI cans

Super Bowl Memories: Matthew Slater

Matthew Slater 1/18: 'Our focus is on what they do well'

Patriots Press Pass: 'It's all or nothing'

Slater on approach to the playoffs and Texans

Watch Matthew Slater learn that he is the winner of the Bart Starr Award

Matthew Slater on getting ready to play the 49ers

Matthew Slater 11/2: 'Collins was a great teammate'

Matthew vs. Matthew: Matthew Slater hosts fundraiser to help relief efforts after Hurricane Matthew

Hall of Fame Fathers: Chris Long and Matthew Slater on football, family and fatherhood

Matthew Slater visits patients at MGH

Patriots vs. Eagles: Special Forces

You Won't: Miranda vs. Matthew Slater

Bill Belichick 8/11: 'Looking forward to seeing all the players play'

Latest News

5 potential Patriots WR picks

5 potential Patriots TE picks

Patriots Draft Prospect Review: Cornerbacks

Patriots Draft Prospect Review: Safeties

Samsonite Make Your Case: Drafting a plan

Patriots host football clinics for kids on military bases

Patriots Hall of Fame: The case for Rodney Harrison

Patriots 2019 Schedule Announced

The story behind the dent in the Super Bowl LIII Lombardi trophy

What are expectations for WR Demaryius Thomas with the Patriots in 2019?

Patriots Unfiltered 4/18: Schedule Analysis; James Develin in Studio

Brandon Bolden 4/18: 'I miss this place, it's like home'

2019 Patriots Mock Draft Tracker

Patriots Announce 2019 Hall of Fame Finalists

The 15 most compelling games on the 2019 NFL schedule

Analysis: Patriots 2019 schedule

Bad Lip Reading: 2019 Schedule Release

Don Banks' 2019 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Patriots 2019 Free Agent Tracker

Patriots Sign WR Demaryius Thomas; Re-Sign DB Jonathan Jones

'Relationships are vital' to Slater, Patriots during team-building process

Tom Brady's 2000 Draft Day Conference Call

Patriots Unfiltered 4/16: Predicting the Schedule; HOF Finalists

Patriots Unfiltered Q&A: Pondering the Draft

Advertising