Julian Edelman Pays Heartful Tribute to Matthew Slater as His Ex Patriots Captain Bids Goodbye to the NFL

The captain of the New England Patriots has decided to hang his cape. After 16 years of service to the team, the dark day has arrived for Matthew Slater will call it quits from the sport of football. He has known no other team in the NFL besides the Patriots, and that’s exactly how he has left it.

The New England Patriots owe a lot of their success to that of Slater. He’s been a vital part of the team through their Super Bowl wins in 2015, 2017, and 2019. The duo of his and Brady was almost unstoppable, but alas! That golden age of the Pats has ended. With a heavy heart, former teammate Julian Edelman took to Instagram to share his respects for the legendary Matthew Slater.

Julian Edelman shares an emotional tribute for Matthew Slater as his retirement comes to light

It’s a tough time for the Patriots’ fans as Matthew Slater announced his heartbreaking retirement. His announcement comes after 16 seasons of leading the team to glory time and time again. The number 12 wide receiver will always continue to be a legendary Patriot as his fans join hands today to pay his respects. Julian Edelman, the former WR for the Patriots, posted a video montage for his fellow teammate that had everyone in tears.

Edelman posted the video and captioned it with an emotional note. He wrote, “THE Patriot. We always talk about the Patriot way. But Slater lived it. He picked me up when I needed it, and challenged me when I needed it. Without him, I wouldn’t have been half the player or half the man I am today. Congrats on the HOF career Slate. Love you bubs. #Captain” Thus, as Slater moves on to this next phase of his life, the fans wish him nothing but the best and thank him for his fine years of commitment to the Patriots.

Matthew Slater’s words on his retirement as a Patriot forever

Slater has played a total of 25 years in the entirety of his football career. Out of which, he devoted 16 years to Belichick’s Patriots. He signed on with the team in 2008 and made up his mind that this is where he’ll spend the rest of his life as a wide receiver. After representing the colors of silver, red, white, and blue for all these years, Slater’s time for the Pats has come to an end in 2024.

He penned down an emotional note for his retirement and said, “Pats Nation, it has been an honor to represent the silver, red, white, and blue for 16 years. Thank you for cheering, challenging and supporting our team each and every year. To the people of New England, thank you for welcoming my family and me into your community and allowing us to call New England home. We are beyond humbled and blessed. You the fans make an NFL player’s experience what it is. Thank you for supporting not only me but our great game.”

Slater concluded by saying, “How do I feel about being a Patriot for life? AWW YEAH!!! May God Bless you all!”

Though it’s a sad day for the fans today, they will continue to give Slater his flowers for being the light and glory for the Patriots in time of need. Thank you for the memories, Slater!

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Will Slater come back to the sport as a commentator or an analyst? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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