Matthew Slater left the game of football with a slew of accolades, including a trio of Super Bowl rings and a pair of first-team All-Pro selections.
Robert Kraft sees at least one more honor -- the highest an NFL individual can receive -- being added to the New England Patriots legend's résumé.
Kraft on Tuesday issued a thoughtful statement on Slater, who announced his retirement after 16 seasons in Foxboro, Mass. In addition to waxing poetic about Slater's greatness, the longtime Patriots owner effectively campaigned for the 38-year-old's Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy.
"Matthew Slater wasn't just a special teams player for the Patriots. He was a special team player who helped us win three Super Bowls and made a positive impact on the many lives he touched, both on and off the field," Kraft wrote. "On the field, his 10 Pro Bowl appearances will likely earn him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day alongside his father. Off the field, he will be remembered for so much more. He is a role model, not just for young players, but for everyone. He is a man of integrity and high moral character who is led by his faith and committed to his family.
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"There is no finer person than Matthew Slater. On behalf of the New England Patriots, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Matthew, in partnership with his wife Shahrzad and the entire Slater family, for his remarkable 16-year Patriots career. Matthew's dedication, leadership and talent have been instrumental to our success, and his impact extends far beyond the field. His character and commitment to our organization, his teammates and the game of football are unparalleled. We are all better for knowing Matthew Slater, and while we will miss his presence on the field, we look forward to celebrating his many future contributions and accomplishments. We know there will be many."
Slater's status as a special teams-only player long made his Hall of Fame case questionable. But with Deven Hester recently earning selection as an all-time great return man, the door seemingly now is more open for Slater to clinch a spot in Canton, Ohio.
Featured image via Mark Konezny/USA TODAY Sports Images
