2015 Honors & Awards: Pro Bowl (5th)
2015 Regular Season Stats: 16 games played/ 16 starts, 17 special teams tackles
Matthew Slater, the Patriots fifth-round draft pick in 2008, led the team in special teams tackles in 2015, en route to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
- Slater's five selections are the second most ever for a special teams player (Steve Tasker, 7).
- Matthew and his father, former offensive lineman Jackie, have been selected to a combined 12 Pro Bowls, the second-most among father-sons in NFL history (Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning, 20).
- Has been the Patriots special teams' captain since 2011
- His team-leading 17 special teams tackles, were the second most in the league and marked his fifth time leading the Patriots in special teams tackles in the past six seasons.
Belichick on Slater: "Matt is one of the best in the league... He does an outstanding job of covering punts."
Slater in 2016: Few players in football are as effective in their role as Slater. Whether it's on the field covering punts and blocking on returns or off it as the inspirational leader of the team, Slater is one of the most valuable members of the Patriots. He'll continue to excel in his role on special teams while providing emotional support to his teammates - young and old alike.
Matthew Slater