Patriots Matthew Slater: ‘This old dog is still trying to learn new tricks’

FOXBORO – When it comes to special teams play, Matthew Slater is one of the best of all time. As a gunner, he’s an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time First-team All Pro. His eight Pro Bowls broke Steve Tasker's record for the most special teams in Pro Bowl history and many think Tasker should be in the Hall-of-Fame.

Despite all the accolades, Slater says he’s still not finished learning. In fact, he’s learning from other special teams standouts on the [...]

FOXBORO – When it comes to special teams play, Matthew Slater is one of the best of all time. As a gunner, he’s an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time First-team All Pro. His eight Pro Bowls broke Steve Tasker's record for the most special teams in Pro Bowl history and many think Tasker should be in the Hall-of-Fame.

Despite all the accolades, Slater says he’s still not finished learning. In fact, he’s learning from other special teams standouts on the Patriots this summer.

"I do think there are things that I can be taught to do," Slater said. "I look at players like Justin Bethel or Cody Davis, and then having a chance to work with them now hand in hand, there are things that they do as a part of their game that I don't do as well, and I think that I can try to incorporate those things. The saying goes, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' This old dog is still trying to learn new tricks. I embrace that challenge."

There used to be a time where Slater would work with the wide receivers in training camp. It wasn’t unusual to see him haul in a deep ball from Tom Brady, either. Lately, however, Slater’s role in practice has changed. Over the last two training camps, Slater’s primary focus has been special teams.

Even when position drills are happening, you still see Slater working (sometimes by himself) to improve his craft as a gunner. On Thursday, he said it’s been ‘unique’ but he feels like the coaches are challenging him while his practice routine evolves. Even at age 34, with a birthday coming up in September, Slater hopes to be a better version of himself in 2020.

"I think you should never get to a place where you feel like you have it all figured out," Slater said. "You should always be searching for more knowledge, more understanding of the game and trying to improve yourself. I think when that process stops -- when you stop evolving in that way -- then it's probably time for you to stop playing. And I don't think I've reached that point yet."

mdaniels@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @MarkDanielsPJ