was voted to be the special teams captain by his teammates. Slater created a niche as a special teams force, leading the Patriots with 17 regular season special teams tackles in 2011; however, he had a presence in all three phases throughout the 2011 season. In the season opener against the Miami Dolphins, Slater made the Patriots’ first big play of the season by catching a 46-yard reception from Tom Brady (which remains his only career reception) and set the team up for the Patriots’ first touchdown of the season. Slater returned four kickoffs for 68 yards (averaging 17 yards per return). He significantly contributed in the defensive backfield, and started in three games as safety. In his defensive start against the Indianapolis Colts, Slater forced a fumble and finished the game with a team-high six tackles. In the AFC Divisional Round, Slater had a special team tackle. Slater was selected for the 2012 Pro Bowl and the 2011 Pro Football Writers Association (PFW/PFWA) All-Pro teams including All-NFL and All-AFC as a special teamer. At the time, the Slaters were one of five active father-son families selected to at least one Pro Bowl apiece. The others were Gill and Jairus Byrd; Archie and Eli Manning; Archie and Peyton Manning; Clay and Clay Matthews; and Howie and Kyle Long. The Patriots reached Super Bowl XLVI, Slater's first appearance in the Super Bowl, but lost 21–17 to the New York Giants. 2012 season Slater, who became a free agent after the 2011 season, signed a three-year contract to return to the Patriots in 2012. He was again voted as Special Teams Captain and voted to be the team's player representative to the NFL Players Association. He was named to the Pro Bowl and the 2012 PFW/PFWA All-Pro for the lone AFC special teamer position for the second straight season. 2013 season In his sixth season with the Patriots, Slater continued to be a reliable captain and inspirational leader on and off the field. He had 14 regular season special-teams tackles, which was the second-highest on the team, despite missing four games early in the season due to injury. Slater's on-field performance led to a third straight Pro Bowl nod. 2014 season On November 26, 2014, it was reported that Slater signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the Patriots through the 2016 season. Slater, again, was voted All-Pro and to the