Watch Matthew Slater score his 1st career touchdown (original) (raw)

Patriots

When he knew he was in, he celebrated by sliding on both knees, leaning backward, and hoisting his arms in the air.

Matthew Slater celebrates his touchdown after recovering a blocked punt in the first half Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Ron Schwane/AP Photo

Special teams guru Matthew Slater’s resume speaks for itself, as he has three Super Bowl rings and has been named to seven Pro Bowls.

On Sunday, though, in the Patriots’ game against the Buffalo Bills, the 12th-year pro Slater did something he’s never done before in the NFL: score a touchdown.

https://twitter.com/patriots/status/1178363936665677824?s=21

J.C. Jackson blocked a Buffalo punt, and Slater swooped in to grab the ball and jet into the end zone. When he knew he was in, he celebrated by sliding on both knees, leaning backward, and hoisting his arms in the air.

Slater was thrilled afterward, sharing with reporters how much the touchdown means to him. He said the first thought that entered his mind was “Thank you, Jesus.”

“Even though I’m 34 years old, I’m still a kid,” he said.

Speaking with ESPN’s Mike Reiss, he elaborated on why it’s so special.

“As a kid, you always dream of scoring a touchdown,” Slater told Reiss. ” … Man, just so thankful to be able to be a part of that.”

https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/1178418404346212354?s=20