Slater was chosen as the 2011 season’s special teams captain.
Although Slater played in all three phases of the game throughout the 2011 season, he carved out a niche for himself as a special teams powerhouse, leading the Patriots with 17 regular season special teams tackles.
Slater caught his only career reception from Tom Brady for 46 yards in the Patriots’ season-opening game against the Miami Dolphins, setting up the team’s first touchdown of the year.
Slater had a total of 68 return yards from 4 kickoffs (averaging 17 yards per return). He made a big impact in the defensive backfield and started at safety in three games
He started on defense against the Indianapolis Colts and ended with a fumble forced and a game-high six tackles. Slater recorded one special team tackle in the AFC Divisional Playoff match.
Slater was named to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and many All-Pro teams by the PFWA in 2011, including the aforementioned All-NFL and All-AFC, honors on special teams.
The Slaters were one of only five active father-son combinations to have both members named to at least one Pro Bowl. Gil and Jairus Byrd, Eli and Archie Manning, Peyton and Archie Manning, Clay and Clay Matthews, and Howie and Chris Long were the others.
Slater’s first Super Bowl was Super Bowl XLVI, which the Patriots, unfortunately, lost to the New York Giants 21-17.
Where is Matthew Slater now?
Matthew Slater is with the New England Patriots. According to Jim McBride of The Boston Globe, Slater signed a contract with the Patriots on Monday that will pay him $2.62 million for one year.
In 2022, Slater will make his professional surfing come back to the region of New England for the 15th time.