Talk:2024 NFL season

Matthew Slater

What should we put as Matthew Slater's position in the "Notable Retirements" section?

I know he's listed as a wide receiver, but he's not know for what he did as a WR (he made one reception in his career). He's more well known as a special teamer.

If Devin Hester is listed as a kick returner (see the 2018 page), I feel that Slater should be listed for what he's known for: a Speical Teamer. WeDemBoyz42119 (talk) 18:22, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

"Special teamer" is not a position that's assigned on any roster. Slater is a wide receiver that played special teams. Hester should probably be updated to such as well. Hey man im josh (talk) 18:29, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

Hester is known as a returner than a receiver. I feel that Slater should be recognized for what he did. (How many WR's with 10 Pro Bowls selections only caught one pass in their career?)

This doesn't come up often, since most notable players played real positions. If not special teamer, why not list him as a Gunner? That's a bit more specificity what he did. WeDemBoyz42119 (talk) 18:35, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

I understand what you're saying, but kick returner, punt returner, and "special teamer" are not positions that players are assigned on the roster. In fact, Matthew Slater is actually still listed on the Patriots website as a wide receiver. I understand what Hester is known for, but despite that, he was still defined as a wide receiver for roster purposes. Hey man im josh (talk) 18:57, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

I still don't believe Slater should be a WR. He's listed as a Special Teamer on the Pro Bowl rosters.

Hester I'll give a pass because he was a decent WR. Slater, however, almost never lined up as a WR. I feel maybe a one-time exception should be made for him, since most Gunners don't have 10 Pro Bowl selections. WeDemBoyz42119 (talk) 19:12, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

Despite what you feel, factually speaking, Slater was a wide receiver, even if not utilized as such. I'm personally against designating him as a "gunner" in this, partially because we don't get to define a player's position and partially because we wouldn't have an acronym that's recognized and easily understood as gunner. For reference, players are listed as edge rushers for All-Pro selections as well, see 2023 All-Pro Team for an example. Hey man im josh (talk) 19:20, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

He is officially listed as a WR, so it should stay, especially since "special teamer" and "gunner" are not actual positions (i.e. not listed on the positions table immediately above the list of retired men). I do think the special teams component can be added later in the entry so readers know that is the reason Slater is notable. For example, WR Matthew Slater – Ten-time Pro Bowler, eight-time All-Pro (five first-team, three second-team) as a special teams player, and three-time Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI, LIII). Played for New England during his 16-year career. Frank Anchor 19:22, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

I would be okay with this, because he didn't make 10 Pro Bowls and 8 All-Pros as a wide receiver. Like I mentioned, he caught only one pass in 16 years.

I few like this would be a solid compromise.

As for Hester, should we leave him as a KR, or change it to WR and mention his Pro Bowls and All-Pros as a return specialist? WeDemBoyz42119 (talk) 19:39, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

I think we could do the same for Hester: WR Devin Hester [...] x-time Pro Bowler and All Pro as a return specialist. Frank Anchor 20:09, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

Sounds like a plan! WeDemBoyz42119 (talk) 20:33, 20 February 2024 (UTC)