FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots are famous for employing more special teams-focused players than most NFL clubs. But most of those players have other positions, too.
Justin Bethel’s primary role for the Patriots is as one of the NFL’s premier punt gunners, but he also reps at cornerback (and pulled down an interception Thursday). Cody Davis runs with the safeties. Brandon King, when he was healthy and active, played linebacker.
Matthew Slater is different.
Since the spring of 2019, Slater has ignored his listed position group (wide receiver) and spent the entirety of each practice running through his own highly choreographed routine of special teams drills.