Bill Belichick makes exception for current Patriots player
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick typically saves serious praise for his players until they retire. He’s made an exception. Belichick spoke to former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum, now of the 33rd Team, about the best players he coached, and he included Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater, who’s about to be in […]
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick typically saves serious praise for his players until they retire.
He’s made an exception.
Belichick spoke to former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum, now of the 33rd Team, about the best players he coached, and he included Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater, who’s about to be in his 16th season with the team.
“I feel like I’ve coached the best offensive player, the best player in football in Tom (Brady); the best defensive player in football in L.T. (Lawrence Taylor) and the best special-teams player in football in Matt Slater,” Belichick said. “If you’re a coach and you coach Taylor, Brady and Slater, that’s three pretty good players.”
Belichick expounded on Slater, who’s a three-time Super Bowl champion, five-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl selection. Slater was named to the Patriots’ All-2010s Team and All-Dynasty Team.
“As a core special-teams player, Slater really is, you know … has been the best of all time,” Belichick said. “I hope he gets recognized for that.”
Ex-Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Tasker was widely known as the best special-teams coverage player of all time before Slater was drafted in 2008. Belichick puts Slater above the AFC East rival’s legend.
Slater re-signed with the Patriots this offseason. He's the only player on New England's roster who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots.
Featured image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
