It's extremely rare for a football player who solely participates in special teams to carve out an illustrious career in the NFL.Matthew Slater is one of the exceptions.The longtime Patriots special teamer officially announced his retirement on Tuesday after 16 seasons in the NFL. Slater thrived in his role as a gunner on Bill Belichick's squad, helping the team to three Super Bowl championships while earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro nods, including two on first-team.A me sage from Matthew Slater. New England Patriots (@Patriots) The son of NFL Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, the Patriots memberwas one of the most respected players not just in the New England locker room, but around the league. Slater was regarded as an exceptional leader, highlighted by his 13 seasons as a captain for Belichick.Slater has been praised multiple times by Cale Makar Men Jersey Belichick, calling him the not bad for a 2008 fifth-round pick out of UCLA."Matthew Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive," Belichick . "He is a once in a lifetime person, and the best core special teams player in NFL history. His daily, weekly, and yearly work ethic paved the way for his unsurpa sed performance. Matthew is the finest example of what an intense competitor and human being should be. He has been a great role model for the teams players and coaches that I have coached."Matthew is exceedingly kind, and supremely loved and respected by all his peers. I am one of many who feel incredibly ble sed to be his teammate, coach, and friend."There isn't one guy in the locker room that doesn't look up to him."From the son of a lineman, to a champion, All-Pro, and leader. Congrats on your retirement Matthew Slater! NFL Films (@NFLFilms) Slater also followed in the footsteps of his father in regards to his Joonas Donskoi Jersey character. He won the 2017 Bart Starr Award, an honor that goes to the player who "best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community". His father earned the recognition in 1996.The 38-year-old retires as one of the greatest players to ever play for the Patriots, and one who had an immense impact on and off the field.MORE: Before the 2024 Hall of Fame cla s was announced, there would have been no real shot for Slater to get a gold jacket. However, things have since changed in regards to how the league views its stars on special teams. was selected as a member of this year's cla s to be enshrined in Canton. Other than four kickers and a punter, no other player who solely participated on special teams had been given the Nail Yakupov Men Jersey honor until Hester.With the league finally coming around to Hester's Hall of Fame case in his third year of eligibility, it opens the door to allow other special teamers to get the nod. When you look around the league at those who made such a ma sive impact on the special teams Erik Johnson Kids Jersey , there are few who have the resume that Slater has.A red jacket is absolutely coming Slater's way, as he undoubtedly will be elected to the Patriots Hall of Fame. However, it will be an intriguing conversation surrounding Slater when it comes to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Slater does not exactly have eye-popping statistics. However, you have to consider the role he played on the Patriots. His No. 1 job on special teams was to be the first player downfield on a punt/kick return in order to create chaos, make a tackle, or down a kick a job he excelled at over a plethora of seasons.With that said, he also acted as a returner in his early years, as well as getting a very (very) small amount of touches on offense.Defensive statsGamesTacklesTackles for Lo sForced FumblesFumble Recoveries239191211Kick Return statsGamesReturnsYardsYards/ReturnTDs2393563718.20Offensive statsGamesReceptionsTargetsRec YardsRushesRush Yards2391846211In his career, Slater earned a total of$30.078 millionduring his time with the Patriots.For Patriots fans and those who appreciate exceptional special teams play, here are some of the best highlights from Slater's career.2 minutes of film highlights from Matthew Slater's Hall of Fame career Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) Matt Nieto Jersey Matthew Slater retires today with eight all-pro nods and one career reception. Here is the Red Baron of special teams one catch, a 46 yard gain against the Dolphins all the way back in 2011. Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) Even if Slater doesn't make the Hall of Fame, there's no doubt he had a major impact on the Patriots' dynasty. Given the low profile he kept throughout his career, he's likely just fine with that distinction.