New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater was named the 2024 Sports Impact recipient at the 11th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards. Former tight end Benjamin Watson and his wife, Kirsten, presented the trophy to Slater in front of a sold-out crowd at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House.
During his acceptance speech, Slater immediately recognized Watson — a former teammate — for his deep friendship and diligent mentorship. He credited Watson for teaching him how to be a Christian in the NFL.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, the celebrated athlete is considered one of the greatest gunners of all time. A fifth-round draft pick out of UCLA, the special teams player notched three Super Bowl wins, 10 Pro Bowl bids and five All-Pro honors over the course of his impressive career. Serving as team captain for 13 consecutive seasons, Slater is the franchise’s all-time leader in special teams tackles. After 16 years with the Patriots, he retired at the beginning of 2024 and is now head coach Jerod Mayo’s right-hand man, serving in a new advisory role focused on team building.
“As a player, God used the game of football to instruct, discipline, encourage and develop me as a person,” Slater said in a statement announcing his retirement. “I have given all that I possibly can to respect and honor the game. Though it is time for my relationship with the game to evolve, the love I have for it will last a lifetime. In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams. In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had.”
Slater is as well-known for his efforts off the field as he is on the field. He and his wife oversee the Slater Family Foundation, which supports a variety of ministries and charitable organizations, including the Ron Burton Training Village, International Justice Mission, The Voice of the Martyrs, Open Doors, Compassion International and Danita’s Children, among others.
Of Slater, Patriots owner Robert Kraft says, “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. There is no finer person than Matthew Slater.”
