The New England Patriots will be without one of their most essential captains in the locker room next season. And they will also have to navigate special teams without him.
Matthew Slater announced his retirement from the NFL after 16 seasons with the Patriots, but he feels confident that the team is in good hands on special teams.
He even gave one young player a shout out that says it all when asked about special team players that impress him in the league currently.
"My guy, Brendan Schooler, who I think just has tremendous potential to be I think one of the great players that this team has ever seen," Slater said on Julian Edelman's "Games With Names" podcast. "I mean he's that good... He's long, and he's strong, and then he's legit fast.
"So that kid has all the tools."
This past season, Schooler was given the ultimate honor from players across the league after The Player's Association released their Players' All Pro-Team. Only current players were eligible to vote and they were not allowed to vote for themselves or their teammates. Players who missed five or more games as of Week 15 were not eligible for a spot on the team, and players voted for the position group that they play in.
And lastly, the special teams category was specifically voted on by player leaders from each locker room.
Patriots' Brenden Schooler was selected as a core teamer alongside Detroit Lions' Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
Since Schooler joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2022, he immediately impressed. Throughout his two seasons in the league, he also formed a close bond with Slater.
So when Slater officially announced his retirement, Schooler posted a short but sentimental message.
"Thank you, Matthew. Thank you for everything ❤️," Schooler wrote.
Going into his first season without Slater will be tough, but he now knows that he will always have him in his corner.
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