Slater’s passionate speeches helped keep Patriots together
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patriots linebacker Josh Uche slowly closed his locker after a full day of meetings and practice, then headed toward the nearest exit.
He had an appointment in two minutes. A reporter walked with him to see if he could take one question. Uche politely declined, then overheard the reporter mention the subject of his story as he continued for the door. He stopped and turned. “Oh, wait,” Uche said Thursday. “This is about Slate?”
In that about-face, Uche epitomized how Matthew Slater, in his 16th season, 13th year as captain and even from another room, holds his teammates’ attention and utmost respect. Slater said this week he will weigh retirement again this offseason, making Sunday’s season finale a potential farewell to one of the NFL’s greatest special teams players ever. Whether Slater, 38, retires or returns, there is one guarantee about how Sunday’s postgame locker-room scene will unfold.
Players will gather. Bill Belichick will speak. Once Belichick finishes, he will cede the floor to Slater, as he has for years. Silence will fall.
“Once he talks, everybody shuts up and listens,” said Pats quarterback Bailey Zappe. “The coaches, players, everybody.”
According to teammates, Slater’s postgame speeches have helped sustain them in a season of unprecedented pain and losing. For some, his messages about mental toughness and togetherness have stuck with them for days, if not weeks.
“Listening to everything he has to say about the situation we’re in, you’re looking for things to get out of it. It’s all been a big deal to me,” said safety Kyle Dugger. “Being able to witness that kind of wisdom, it’s like light. He glows in the middle.”
“They definitely mean a lot,” added right tackle Mike Onwenu. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve seen the role they play, and the groundwork they set for the next game and really, the future.”
Slater, teammates say, is
compelling and straightforward; challenging them both as men and colleagues. He tends to draw on lessons applicable to football and life. The captain often draws on his Christian faith, while relaying football themes of character and teamwork.
“It’s important because when you’re winning, s--is so easy. And it’s easy to think you’re right, everything you say is correct, and everything’s just hitting right because you’re winning. But when you’re losing, that’s when you see the true character of people,” Uche said. “And seeing Slate up there preaching … everything he says resonates with me.”