Before New England Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater plays in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons, the National Football League honored him with the Bart Starr Award at the Super Bowl Breakfast on Saturday. Former winners and Hall of Famers were in attendance, such as his father Jackie Slater.
This is the second consecutive year a player playing in the Super Bowl has won the award, as Carolina Panthers LB Thomas Davis was the winner last year. Also, Matthew and Jackie are the only father and son duo to both win the award.
“I’m truly humbled by the journey I’ve been on,” said Matthew. “I only hope as I continue along this journey I can represent the Starr family and my family the way that I feel they deserve to be represented. Winning this award and sharing it with my father really means a great deal, not only to myself, but my family.”
The Bart Starr Award is given annually to an NFL player who exemplifies outstanding character and leadership on and off the field. Former Bart Starr winners, NFL Public Relation Directors from each team, Athletes in Action Pro Staff and Starr himself vote for the winner each year. The award honors Starr’s positive role model to his family, teammates and community.
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