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Many fans focus on Tom Brady and Julian Edelman or Kyle Van Noy and other stars, but watch the captain of special teams – Matthew Slater - for some real excitement.

In game 2 against the Jets, it was Slater who downed a punt on the Jets 1 yard line.  How about the punt block return for a touchdown against the Bills?   Incredible athleticism.  But all the Patriots are incredible athletes.  What makes this player more special?

As a captain, he’s recognized as a team leader.  New players all need mentoring; many who are looking for regular positions come through special teams to demonstrate to Coach Belichik and other coaches what they can do. Slater was voted Captain of Special Teams in 2013, and still serves in that mentoring leadership role: quietly, but effectively.

Matthew Slater is fast. His high school records in the 100 meter sprint still hold today.  At UCLA he tied Anthony Davis' record kick return average of 29-yards, a PAC-10 season record when Slater did that.   He also scored 3 touchdowns that year.

The Patriots drafted Slater in 2008, fifth round.  In that first season, he returned 11 kicks for 156 yards, and was credited for 12 tackles on special teams.

We are proud to have Matthew Slater as the ‘front man’ player for our Plymouth Rock Auto insurance Patriots affinity program for Pats fans.  This program offers priority access to home game tickets and concerts. behind-the-scene tours of Gillette Stadium, and discounts at the Pro Shop (and other cool access for Pats fans).  

One thing we don't like to see from some professional athletes is bad but public off-field behavior.  Antonio Brown’s off-field behavior has made him unemployed.  Many top players came from toxic youth environments that never demonstrated to these kids (yeah, they’re mostly still kids) what good behavior looks like.  Did you know that Matthew is the son of Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jackie Slater? He knew what good behavior from a professional athlete looked like early… from one of the greats.

Slater is also a consummate community contributor.

He is the United Way representative for the Patriots; and in 2013 won the N E Patriots Ron Burton Community Service award. He is also an avowed Christian, and serves informally as the team’s chaplain since the departure of Jack Easterby earlier this year.

Today, while he specializes on special teams, he has played as a tight end, goal line kick defense, and other utility roles, always crediting his coaches for helping him realize his dream: playing like his dad, doing his very best.

On Sunday’s game, watch #18 on kickoff and punt returns. He’s a giant among giants, and we're proud to have him as our Patriots Auto Insurance Program front man..