Joe Cardona

Joe Cardona is an active American professional football player and United States Naval Reserve officer who plays as a long snapper in the National Football League (NFL). Best known for his decade-long tenure with the New England Patriots, he won two Super Bowls with the franchise before recent stints with the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Joseph Cardona was born on April 16, 1992, in San Diego, California, USA, and grew up in El Cajon. The Long Snapper stands 188 cm tall, and his weight was last listed at 111 kg.

He attended Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, California, where he lettered in both football and lacrosse. Following graduation, he attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School for a year before enrolling at the United States Naval Academy. Majoring in economics, he was a highly reliable four-year starter at long snapper for the Midshipmen, notably finishing his entire collegiate career without a single bad snap.

Personal Life

Cardona is of Mexican heritage and maintains an active, highly decorated military career alongside his NFL commitments. As an active member of the Navy Reserve, he has attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

He serves as the department head of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Eight out of Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island, overseeing the logistical needs of 500 sailors. In early 2024, Cardona was honored as the recipient of the NFL's prestigious Salute to Service Award.

Professional Career

He was selected by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, making him just the fourth pure long snapper to be drafted in NFL history.

During his professional career, Cardona seamlessly balanced his military commitments with his football career. After securing his rookie contract in 2015, his request to continue playing in the NFL was officially approved by the US Navy in May 2016. He became an ultra-reliable anchor on special teams for New England, not missing a single game for his first several seasons. He helped the Patriots secure victories in Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LIII.

In March 2023, the Patriots signed Cardona to a four-year contract extension worth $6.3 million, making him the highest-paid long snapper in the league at the time. After a 10-year run in New England that included being named a team captain in 2024 and being selected to the New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team, he spent the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Los Angeles Rams in 2026.

Career Highlights:

• 2017, 2019 – 2× Super Bowl champion (LI, LIII)
• 2023 – NFL Salute to Service Award
• New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team