New England Patriots special teams star Matthew Slater criticized the NFL's recent rule change regarding fair catches and touchbacks on Wednesday.
Matthew Slater gave an impassioned speech against the league’s new rule expected to curb the number of kickoffs.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) May 31, 2023
Slater: “If we’re really concerned with player safety, let’s talk about the real issues not a play that over 99 percent of the time is injury free.”
Slater said that the new rule -- which will see fair catches made anywhere between the goal line and the 25-yard line result in the ensuing drive starting at the 25 -- is far from the only thing that shows the league isn't "always going to do what's in the best interest of our players."
The 37-year-old pointed to "Thursday Night Football" as an "easy one" and "low-hanging fruit" in the argument that the NFL doesn't always act as if player health and safety is "paramount." Slater also mentioned the benefit of playing on grass fields vs. turf surfaces during his speech.
Matthew Slater on new kickoff rule: "I'm just not convinced that our league is always going to do what's in the best interest of our players... I don't believe that this is truly in the name of player health and safety" pic.twitter.com/SVjCWkSDqN
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) May 31, 2023
The longest-tenured member of the Patriots and longtime co-captain joins the likes of Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh as recent critics of the rule. New England head coach Bill Belichick also addressed the matter on Wednesday, saying that he agreed with his fellow coaches.
Slater holds the NFL record for most special teams Pro Bowl selections with 10 and has been named First Team All-Pro twice as well. He's spent his entire career in New England after being selected in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
Slater is the son of Hall of Fame tackle Jackie Slater, who made seven Pro Bowls during his 20-year career from 1976-95. The special teamer tied in his father's lengthy career and post-playing days during his argument on Wednesday.
Slater now preaching: “Why is it that so many of my dad’s teammates are in bad shape and looking to the league for help? … If we’re really concerned about player health and safety, let’s talk about the real issues.” https://t.co/tLze7l4Igd
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 31, 2023
The fair catch and touchback rule change will be instituted on a one-year trial run during the 2023 season.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!