We are aware that after spending 16 seasons in New England, Patriots special teams star Matthew Slater announced his retirement from the NFL early this offseason. Additionally, we are aware that Slater was present at Gillette Stadium on Monday when the Patriots returned for the start of their optional practices.

Slater will not be exercising. But now we know why the retired Slater, whose playing days were nearing to an end, was at the football stadium.

Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers reports that Slater has been promoted to advisor for the organization.

While Peppers was speaking to media at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, “I didn’t think he was done anyway,” “So I think this is his way to stay engaged but take the load off of his body, get some more time with the family, but also still be a part of the organization and doing the thing he loves to do.”


The majority of Patriots supporters anticipated that Slater would somehow rejoin the team. Slater will continue to work for the one organization he played for, even if it’s unknown if this new job is a part-time or full-time one.


Undoubtedly, Jerod Mayo would like to have someone like him in the building when he manages his first season as an NFL head coach. Slater was one of the loudest leaders in the New England locker room even though he only played a few plays every weekend. There was a reason Slater captained the Patriots squad 13 times: players paid attention to what he had to say.


Peppers wasn’t sure what Slater’s 38-year-old new position with the squad will entail, but it should involve lots of conversation with the players as it is now. And Peppers is one happy camper as a result.

“As long as I get to bounce some knowledge off of him and see him around the locker room, having Slate in the locker room, he uplifted spirits and always knew what to say,” Peppers said. “I’m definitely happy we kept him in the building.”