Since being drafted by the New England Patriots in 2008 out of UCLA, Matthew Slater has been a staple on special teams. So much so, that he holds the record for most All-Pro appearances for a special teamer with 10.  Slater is the all-time tackle leader in franchise history.

Slater who is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, etch out his own mark on the league at his position. Patriots owner Robert Kraft proclaimed that Slater should be a Hall of Famer alongside his father. Slater was a team captain for 13 straight seasons and was counted on to be the teams locker room leader, especially with his inspiring postgame speeches.

He ranks second in games played (239) for the Patriots, behind only Tom Brady who’s at 285. Slater ranks 9th All-time on most playoff games played. Even former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said a few months back that Slater is the greatest special team player that he has ever coached. The Patriots are surely to miss the veteran and look to fill that void during the offseason.