Matthew Slater mum on future after Patriots honor longtime captain with special hoodies in Week 18

FOXBORO -- There were several special moments for Patriots captain Matthew Slater ahead of Sunday's game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. It may have been the final game of Slater's 16-year career, which he spent the entirety of in New Engalnd.

But Slater wouldn't discuss his future following New England's 17-3 loss to the Jets at Gillette Stadium.

"Let's talk about that another day," the 38-year-old told reporters when asked if Sunday was it for him.

Slater instead wanted to doll out some gratitude for his teammates. The Patriots honored their 13-year captain on Sunday by wearing No. 18 hoodies during warmups. Players and owner Robert Kraft donned the Slater-themed threads, which included a list of Slater's accolades over his 16 year career.  who honored him ahead of the game with special hoodies during warmups.

"I just want to express my thanks to the guys in that locker room today. Very appreciative for all the love and the support that I received this whole season, and today and this week," said Slater. "I'm very proud of this group, even though the season was what it was. Getting to work with those guys really meant a lot to me.

"I was blown away by it.," he said of the sweatshirts. "I never wanted anything about my experience here to be about me, so it did make me a little uncomfortable. But to have those guys do that, I'll never be able to put into words. It meant a lot to me."

Slater even got to share a special moment with his parents on the field ahead of the game. Slater's dad -- Hall of Fame offensive lineman Jackie Slater -- and his mom Annie were both on the field prior to Sunday's kickoff. The veteran special teamer made sure to give them a big hug before getting into game mode.

Slater credits his parents for where he is now and everything that he has accomplished on the football field. And those accomplishments are plentiful.

Slater is not just one of the best special teams players to ever lace up a pair of cleats, but he's also one of the most-respected players in the NFL. 

"He's explementary," Bill Belichick said after Sunday's game. "He's an inspiration to all of us."

Slater tributes weren't just limited to the field at Gillette Stadium. Former teammates Tom Brady and Julian Edelman each took to social media to honor Slater, with Brady calling his former teammate, "One of a kind in every way" in a post to his Instagram account. 

Edelman didn't have any words to share, so he went with a Vince McMahon meme.  

Slater was beloved by anyone who made their way through Foxboro throughout his 16-year career. He hasn't made any definitive statement about his future, but he certainly sounds like someone who is nearing the end of his career.

Slater took time to thank New England fans for all of their support -- both on the field and in the community -- after the game.

"To be embraced by this community and fanbase has meant a great deal to me and my family, so thank you," said Slater.