Patriots captain Matthew Slater now second behind Tom Brady for many video games performed in franchise historical past

Final weekend, New England Patriots veteran Matthew Slater made historical past on the identical day Invoice Belichick was making historical past. With their win over the New York Jets, the Patriots earned Invoice Belichick his 325th win as a head coach, shifting him previous Chicago Bears legendary head coach George Halas for second most on the NFL’s all-time list. In addition they performed alongside Slater in his 214th recreation as a Patriot, the second most in crew historical past.

Quarterback Tom Brady presently leads the franchise in most video games performed with 285, per StatMuse. There are solely 5 Patriots gamers to play in over 200 video games: Brady (285), Slater (214), Bruce Armstrong (212), Julius Adams (206) and Stephen Gostkowski (204).

Following his historic victory towards the New York Jets, Belichick gave Slater the sport ball and acknowledged his accomplishment in a postgame stuffed with historic moments and recognition. 

“It is solely becoming that — Coach Belichick has an important appreciation for historical past,” Slater instructed the crew, per Twitter video. “And it is solely becoming that he makes some historical past right here right now. I need to problem you guys to have an appreciation for historical past. The place you got here from. Who paved the way in which for you.”

“Historical past is essential, fellas. We won’t neglect the place we come from,” the 37-year-old mentioned. “As a result of with a view to perceive the place we’re going, we gotta have the ability to look again and be taught from what’s occurred prior to now. Historical past issues. Historical past was made right here right now although. Let’s go on the market and maintain our heads down, fellas. Proceed to grind, and most significantly, keep collectively.”

Slater, a staple not simply on the sector for the Patriots, however within the locker room as effectively, will add to that quantity this weekend when the Patriots tackle the Indianapolis Colts. The 12-year captain joined the Patriots when he was drafted by the crew in 2008 with the No. 153 total decide and has been with the crew his complete profession.

Devin McCourty, who remains to be with the crew, has performed in 196 video games for New England, and can possible attain 200 video games performed by the top of this season, becoming a member of the 5 others within the unique membership.

Mosi Tatupu (194), Troy Brown (192), Raymond Clayborn (191), Tedy Bruschi (189) and John Hannah (183) full the highest 10.