Longtime Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater officially retired ... in adopting the XFL’s kickoff rules as a means to encourage more, longer returns and reduce player collisions.

Former New England Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater, who served as an assistant coach last season, opened up about not returning on Mike Vrabel's new coaching staff in 2025.

Covering punts and blocking on kick returns is not anyone’s idea of a glamorous job. But Slater was arguably the best of his generation at it, making 10 Pro Bowls , two All-Pro teams, and ...

Naturally, Patterson was dejected following the gaff, but Patriots special teams captain Matthew ... kickoff at the 5-yard line and take it 95-yards to the house for a touchdown, so clearly Slater ...