Matthew Wilson "Matt" Slater is an American football wide receiver, safety, gunner, and special teams player for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft after playing college football for the UCLA Bruins of the University of California, Los Angeles. He was selected to the 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Pro Bowl as a special teamer.

Slater attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and majored in political science and history, while playing for the UCLA Bruins football team. As freshman he redshirted due to a turf toe injury. In 2004, as a second-year freshman, Slater appeared in games against Illinois, Arizona and Stanford. As a sophomore in 2005 he was reserve wide receiver. He missed the first three games due to a stress fracture in his left leg. He played in two games but did not make a reception.

In 2006, as a junior, Slater played 13 games, including two on defense. He excelled on kick coverage, specializing on big hits on kick returners to help minimize kick return yardage. In the year, he made nine tackles, including six solos. As a senior, in 2007, Slater played in 13 games and made 25 tackles.

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