Slater excels in his special role

HOUSTON — No player on the Patriots embodies the Bill Belichick “Do Your Job’’ mantra more than Matthew Slater.

Slater is listed on the New England depth chart as a receiver, but he’s a receiver by title only. He, in fact, has one career reception for 46 yards, and that came five seasons ago.

There’s really no singular depth-chart position that possibly can quantify what Slater does or what he means to the team.

He actually has more jobs to do than any of his teammates and he does them all well. This is why he has lasted nine years under Belichick’s iron rule, on a team that seemingly has more yearly turnover than bad teams looking for good players.

The Patriots drafted Slater in the fifth round, 153rd overall, of the 2008 draft. You would be hard-pressed to find many players who went in the 152 picks before Slater who turned out to be as valuable to their teams.

Slater is to the Patriots’ special teams what quarterback Tom Brady is to their offense. He’s the leader, the voice, the calming influence, the player with the most experience in the big moments.

He, too, has potential to be that guy who makes the game-turning play against the Falcons in Super Bowl LI Sunday at NRG Stadium.

“He’s a difference-maker … I think he’s the glue to the locker room,’’ running back James White said.

Slater has been named to six consecutive Pro Bowls (2011-16) as a special teams player. He has been a team captain since 2011. He has led the special teams in tackles in five of the last six seasons.

And now the 31-year-old Slater, who is behind just Brady (17 seasons) and kicker Stephen Gostkowski (11) in the longest tenure on the team, is about to play in his third Super Bowl.

“It hit me the other night; sitting at home talking with my wife, talking with my dad [Hall of Fame tackle Jackie Slater], who maybe is a little jealous of me. But it’s really unbelievable to think that in the last six years, we’ve been to three of these,’’ Slater said. “Guys play 20 years and go to one or none, so we’re really thankful for the position that we’re in. We’re excited about the opportunity to play one last football game with this group of guys and we don’t take it for granted.’’

A big part of what has made Slater who he is today is the fact he always is the most humble man in the room and he takes nothing for granted.

Asked what his reaction would have been if, when he first got into the league, he was told he would still be playing with the Patriots nine years later, Slater said, “I wouldn’t have believed you.’’

“I was just trying to maybe salvage a practice-squad spot my rookie year,’’ he said. “For this journey to have played out the way it has it’s really been a blessing. I’m just thankful for the ride.’’

Asked if he has felt the love from Belichick over the years, Slater said: “I think the fact that he has me on his roster is appreciation enough. That’s all the thanks I need. He keeps me around and I’m very thankful for the opportunity.’’

Ask anyone who knows Slater about him and the reaction is universal in that it glows.

“You’re not going to find a better guy than Matt Slater — how he handles his friends, coaches, his family,’’ tight ends coach Brian Daboll said. “He’s the type of guy that I want my daughter to marry.’’

Julian Edelman, who roomed with Slater from 2011-14, called him “probably the best teammate I’ve ever had.’’ Significant words from a player who catches passes from that guy named Brady.

“He’s one of the finest human beings I’ve ever met — whether it’s in football or out of football,’’ receivers coach Chad O’Shea said.

“He puts himself second,” cornerback Logan Ryan said. “You see the amount of success he has and the amount of longevity he’s had, but he’ll never tell you about it. He’s literally a selfless person.’’

Slater was voted as this year’s recipient of the Bart Starr Award, given to the NFL player who best exemplifies character and leadership. When Slater got the news, he cried. His father won the award following the 1995 season, making this the first time a father and son have won the honor.

“I’ve always believed in service and leadership,’’ Slater said. “I don’t think good leaders carry themselves like they’re better than the rest of the group. I think good leaders serve and try to connect with their teammates. And that’s something that I’ve always tried to do.”

“Do your job.’’ Another job he has done well.