Of their pursuit of Banner 18, the Celtics are recognizing champions from different New England sports activities groups, shining the sunshine on their position locally.
After Bruins legend Zdeno Chara acquired a “Heroes Among Us” award throughout Sport 1 of the NBA Finals final week, the Celtics put the Patriots up subsequent in Sport 2 on Sunday.
Just lately retired particular teamer Matthew Slater, now an advisor to move coach Jerod Mayo, stood at middle courtroom because the evening’s Hero through the second quarter. Celtics followers confirmed their like to the three-time Tremendous Bowl champion.
The jumbotron listed Slater’s group accolades: “Mentor for New England area youth, encourages positive lifestyles,” “Committed to bettering the lives of foster families,” and “Provides support and resources to underserved communities.”
The award is given throughout each Celtics house recreation to an “outstanding individual who made exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities.”
After asserting his retirement in February, former head coach Invoice Belichick referred to as Slater a “once-in-a-lifetime person,” and the “best core special teams player in NFL history.”
Slater’s group efforts had been acknowledged all through his 16-year NFL profession. The particular teamer earned the Bart Starr Award, given to the participant who “best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community,” in 2017, and the Artwork Rooney Award, which is given in recognition of excellent sportsmanship on the enjoying subject, in 2021.
Final 12 months, Slater and his spouse Shahrzard hosted a Christmas celebration at Gillette Stadium, welcoming 30 youngsters from native foster care organizations to the Cross Pavilion by the Slater Household Basis.
The December celebration got here months after Slater and a handful of teammates stopped by a Windfall elementary college for an occasion targeted on serving to enhance attendance and encourage studying.
Slater was additionally identified for rallying his teammates within the locker room after wins along with his well-known “AWW YEAH!” saying.
