Joe Cardona Bio
Joseph Cardona, born on April 16, 1992, is an American professional football long snapper in the National Football League (NFL). A U.S. Naval Reserve officer, he is recognized for his steady work on special teams units across multiple organizations. Cardona first gained national attention after being selected by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft following a distinguished college career at the Naval Academy. Over the course of his professional journey, he has built a reputation as one of the most reliable specialists at his position in league history.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 245 pounds, Cardona combines athletic precision with the discipline of a military officer. He has won two Super Bowl championships with the Patriots and earned league-wide recognition for his service both on and off the field. His unique career path has made him a respected figure in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Cardona was born on April 16, 1992, in San Diego, California, and grew up in the nearby community of El Cajon. He is the son of Patrick and Margaret Cardona, and he grew up in a supportive household that encouraged athletic and academic pursuits. Cardona has spoken about his family’s role in shaping his work ethic and sense of duty throughout his life.
He attended Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, where he lettered two years in football and four years in lacrosse. As a senior, he was named conference lacrosse Most Valuable Player, showcasing his athletic versatility and competitive drive. Cardona graduated from Granite Hills in 2010, having built a foundation that would later help him earn a spot at one of the nation’s most demanding service academies.
Following high school, Cardona spent a year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, before enrolling at the United States Naval Academy. His decision to attend Navy reflected an early commitment to military service that would ultimately shape the structure of his professional sports career.
Path to American Football
At the Naval Academy, Joseph Cardona majored in economics and immediately earned a role on the football team as a long snapper. He became a four-year starter for the Navy Midshipmen and was praised for his consistency and accuracy in snapping duties. According to available records, he was not charged with a single bad snap during his four seasons, a remarkable achievement that drew the attention of NFL scouts.
During his college career, the Midshipmen compiled a 30-21 overall record. Navy won four contests against rival Army during Cardona’s tenure, and the program appeared in three bowl games across his four years. These experiences gave him valuable exposure to high-level competition and prepared him for the next stage of his football journey.
Cardona’s path to the NFL was unique because of his military commitment. He was required to balance his Naval obligations with professional football ambitions, an arrangement that required special approval from Navy leadership. His eventual selection in the 2015 NFL draft was notable, as he became the fourth pure long snapper to be drafted in league history and only the second drafted by the Patriots.
Joe Cardona Career
Early Career (2015-2016)
The New England Patriots selected Joseph Cardona in the fifth round, 166th overall, of the 2015 NFL draft. His Naval assignment was delayed until after the 2015 NFL season so that he could begin his football career without interruption. He signed his rookie contract on June 4, 2015, beginning what would become a decade-long run in professional football.
Cardona made his official NFL debut on September 10, 2015, in the Patriots’ season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played in all 16 games during his rookie season and continued that streak in his second year, becoming a reliable presence for the Patriots on special teams. In 2016, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus approved his request, along with that of Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Keenan Reynolds, to play in the NFL for the season.
New England Patriots Breakthrough (2015-2024)
Joseph Cardona’s time with the New England Patriots produced some of the most memorable moments of his career. He played in all 16 regular-season games during each of his first two seasons and appeared in both Patriots playoff wins during the 2016 postseason. He contributed to the team’s victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017, taking part in seven special teams plays during the 34-28 overtime win.
In 2017, Cardona again played in both Patriots playoff victories and appeared in Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018, a 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. On June 14, 2018, he signed a four-year contract extension with New England, cementing his role with the organization. He later contributed to the Patriots’ Super Bowl LIII victory over the Los Angeles Rams on February 3, 2019, winning his second career championship ring.
Cardona’s tenure in New England featured several other notable moments. On December 20, 2022, it was announced that he would miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn tendon in his foot, an injury that ended a streak of 140 consecutive games started since his 2015 draft selection. He returned healthy and, on March 21, 2023, signed a four-year contract extension worth $6.3 million, making him the highest-paid long snapper in the league at the time. In September 2024, he was named a team captain for the first time in his career, and he recorded a forced fumble recovery in the Patriots’ Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Miami Dolphins Era (2025)
On April 29, 2025, the New England Patriots released Joseph Cardona after 10 seasons, three days after drafting long snapper Julian Ashby in the 2025 NFL draft. At the time of his release, he was the longest-tenured player on the Patriots roster and the last remaining member of the Super Bowl LIII-winning team. His departure ended one of the longest continuous tenures by a specialist in recent franchise history.
Cardona did not remain a free agent for long. The Miami Dolphins signed him on May 9, 2025, adding veteran experience to their special teams unit. His transition to Miami marked the beginning of a new chapter in his professional career, and he joined the Dolphins with a reputation as a steady and durable long snapper.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although long snappers are evaluated differently from other skill positions, Joseph Cardona has earned a reputation for technical precision and unwavering consistency. His ability to deliver accurate snaps on punts, field goals, and extra points has been a defining feature of his career. Coaches have consistently praised his preparation, his communication with punters and holders, and his discipline in maintaining timing under pressure. His Naval background has reinforced a meticulous approach to fundamentals that has translated directly to football success.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Joseph Cardona’s most significant achievements are his two Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots, earned following the 2016 and 2018 seasons. He became only the fourth pure long snapper drafted in NFL history and finished his Patriots tenure as the last member of the Super Bowl LIII roster. He was named the recipient of the 13th annual Salute to Service award in February 2024, honoring his contributions to the military community. In 2023, he signed a contract extension that made him the highest-paid long snapper in the NFL.
Joe Cardona Career Wins
Joseph Cardona’s career highlights include two Super Bowl championships, earned as a member of the New England Patriots following the 2016 and 2018 seasons. He also earned recognition as the highest-paid long snapper in the league after signing a contract extension in 2023, underscoring his value to his teams over a long professional career. Across more than a decade in the NFL, Cardona has remained a durable and consistent contributor on special teams.
New England Patriots Highlights
During his decade with the New England Patriots, Joseph Cardona appeared in more than 170 NFL games and contributed to two Super Bowl titles. He played in every regular-season game for the Patriots from 2015 through 2022, missing time only after his 2022 foot injury. His 140 consecutive games started represented one of the longest streaks by a long snapper in NFL history at the time it ended.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his team championships, Joseph Cardona earned individual recognition for his service work, including the Salute to Service award in 2023. He was named to the New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team, an honor reflecting his long-term contributions to one of the most successful eras in franchise history. His 177 career games played through the 2025 season reflect a level of durability rarely seen at his position.
Joe Cardona Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Joseph Cardona is the son of Patrick Cardona and Margaret Cardona. He grew up in El Cajon, California, in a close family environment that encouraged his athletic development. His parents supported his decision to attend the Naval Academy and pursue a career that combined military service with professional football.
Personal Life
Beyond his role on the football field, Cardona serves as a department head in the Navy Reserve with Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Eight, based at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. In that role, he oversees the logistical needs of 500 sailors across the Eastern Seaboard, balancing military responsibilities with his NFL commitments.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Joseph Cardona. After being released by the New England Patriots in late April 2025 following the draft of Julian Ashby, he signed with the Miami Dolphins on May 9, 2025. The move ended a 10-year run in New England and gave Cardona an opportunity to contribute to a new organization with playoff aspirations.
Joining the Dolphins allowed Cardona to bring veteran leadership to Miami’s special teams unit. His signing was viewed as a stabilizing addition by coaches seeking experienced depth at the long snapper position. With a track record of accuracy and reliability, he was expected to compete for the starting role in 2025.
Looking ahead, Cardona’s 2025 outlook includes contributing to a Dolphins team aiming to return to postseason contention. His experience in two Super Bowl-winning environments offers Miami a respected voice in the locker room, and his continued service in the U.S. Navy Reserve adds a unique dimension to his professional profile. Whether in Miami or beyond, Cardona remains one of the most respected long snappers of his era.
