New England Patriots Long Snapper Promoted To Navy Lieutenant

Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona was promoted by the US Navy from lieutenant junior grade to lieutenant on the 75^th anniversary of D-Day. Cardona joined the Patriots family in 2015, and has been active in every game. He found the perfect balance between his football and military career.

“Congratulations to Lieutenant Joe Cardona on his promotion,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “And obviously a day to remember our World War II veterans on D-Day. The 75th anniversary, that’s kind of a big one for us. I want to recognize all the things that they did.

“[We’re] happy to recognize Joe on this day. It just makes it a special day for all of us.”

Patriots quarterback made a statement on Cardona’s promotion, and delivered a very powerful message.

“It’s pretty emotional when you see someone take the oath like that and raise his hand,” he said. “It’s a big commitment Joe’s made, and I think Joe has done it very proudly and does a great job educating a lot of us on what it means to him. I think we all appreciate that.

“We see the work he does here for us, but also the work he does for our country. I’ve talked to Joe a lot over the years about what his roles and responsibility are and I think everyone is proud of his accomplishments.

“As proud as you are of winning a Super Bowl ring, to advance in that part of his career is pretty amazing. To do both is really a great thing for him personally. It was nice to be able to celebrate and congratulate with him.”

The New England Patriots selected Cardona in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He has helped the team win two Super Bowls. According to sources, he and Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach are the only US Naval Academy graduates to own more than one Super Bowl ring.

Belichick, Brady and the rest of the guys are proud to know Cardona. Being promoted to this position in the Navy is such an honor, and the Patriots honored Cardona in the best way possible.