Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jordy McElroy

Camera catches emotional Matthew Slater on sideline before possibly his final NFL game

Matthew Slater hasn’t confirmed Sunday’s game against the New York Jets will be the final one in his NFL career, but it seems more likely after seeing his emotional moment with family, teammates, coaches and even owner Robert Kraft on the sidelines before the game.

The New England Patriots longtime captain is arguably the greatest special teamer in NFL history with 10 Pro Bowls and eight All Pro awards throughout the course of his illustrious career.

Before the game, Patriots players could be seen wearing “Captain 18” hoodies out of respect for Slater, who has been with the Patriots since he was drafted out of UCLA in 2008.

If this really is the end, Slater’s elite on-field talent, along with his inspiring voice in the locker room, will be greatly missed for the Patriots. Even more than his talent, he’s a once-in-a-lifetime human being.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.