Every NFL legend has a turning point; a moment that set their story in motion. For Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort, one of his proudest memories does not come from an executive desk, but from his early days as a scout. At the center of that story is an email from the greatest coach of the modern era.
Monti Ossenfort’s Most Memorable Draft Moment Traces Back to a Patriots Email
During a recent episode of NFL Spotlight with Ari Meirov, Monti Ossenfort shared a pivotal experience from his tenure with the New England Patriots. It was a moment that would help launch the career of one of the NFL’s most iconic special teamers, Matthew Slater.
#Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort shares a great story about his time with the #Patriots and how they ended up drafting Matthew Slater, the greatest special teamer in NFL history.
“I got an email from Belichick, and I thought, ‘Wooo, what did I do?'”
Full episode:… https://t.co/UT5gVwavyA pic.twitter.com/8XN8RuWtiw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 17, 2025
When asked if there was ever a player he “banged the table for,” Ossenfort hesitated to take sole credit, but what followed was a compelling behind-the-scenes look into a draft decision that helped shape the Patriots’ dynasty.
As an area scout based in Colorado, Ossenfort was tasked with a unique project during the April leading up to that year’s draft: evaluating special teams-only players. With no involvement in offensive or defensive rankings, his sole focus became identifying standout special teams talent. And at the top of his list was a name few expected to lead an NFL locker room for over a decade: “Matt Slater out at UCLA.”
Slater had bounced between wide receiver and safety in college, never settling into a clear role. But on special teams tape, he stood apart. Ossenfort submitted his report to the Patriots’ personnel staff, not thinking much of it until one morning changed everything. “I got an email from Coach Belichick,” Ossenfort recalled. “I sat up and… I was like, oh boy, I better read this one.”
The message from Belichick was short but direct: “Would you be willing to draft this guy as just a special teams player?” Ossenfort did not hesitate: “Yes, coach, I would draft Matt Slater strictly based on his special teams ability.”
That moment would become a quiet but significant pivot in Patriots history. Slater would go on to win three Super Bowls, earn ten Pro Bowl selections, and serve as the team’s longest-tenured captain. His impact was never about flashy stats but about heart, discipline, and leadership.
From a single scouting project to a career that helped solidify New England’s dynasty, Slater’s rise illustrates the unseen work behind draft-day decisions. “To see what Matt became… that’s why we do this job,” Ossenfort told Meirov. It is a story of faith, vision, and one scout’s instinct, vindicated by one of the greatest coaches of all time.