Matthew Slater signs 2-year extension
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| Photo from CSNNE |
"Matt does a lot of things for us," Belichick said. "Obviously he's a real good player on the field, very professional, works hard, does a good job with all the players. Younger players, but also his peers. He's very well respected in the locker room, not just by the players, but I'd say by the entire organization. By the way he goes about his job, how committed he is to the team, how dependable he is.His work ethic, his attitude, his toughness. [He's] really pretty much a model -- a model player. Would love to have 53 guys like him.
"Matt's improved a lot, like any player over that period of time," Belichick said. "When we drafted him as a special teams player, I'd say it was a decent pick for a guy with what his skills are. A little bit ahead of [Nate] Ebner, but similar to him. That type of role. We had a decent investment in him. I think we thought he'd be pretty good. But he's everything and more you could ever had hoped for. I'll say that. His personality, his intelligence, his toughness, his character both on and off the field, his leadership. Those are all exemplary. You couldn't really find anything better."
Slater was a 5th round pick out of UCLA in 2008 and has made 3 consecutive Pro Bowls. He leads the team in special teams tackles with 11 as of right now, and is one of the keys for the Patriots on special teams.
