Rick Lovato Bio
Richard Peter Lovato Jr. is an American former professional football long snapper. He played college football for the Old Dominion Monarchs. Lovato was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He played for various teams, notably winning two Super Bowls with the Philadelphia Eagles and being recognized as a Pro Bowler in 2019.
Early Life and Background
Rick Lovato was born on September 9, 1992, in Neptune Township, New Jersey. He is the son of Rick and Maureen Lovato. Growing up in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Lovato attended Middletown South High School, where he began long snapping as a freshman. In addition to long snapping, he also played center and saw time on the defensive line. Lovato’s early exposure to football laid the foundation for his future career in the sport. He later attended Old Dominion University, where he played college football from 2011 to 2014. Lovato appeared in all 50 games as the long snapper for the Monarchs and became the first player from Old Dominion to play in the National Football League.
Path to American Football
After going undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft, Lovato signed with the Chicago Bears on May 3, 2015. His time with the Bears was short-lived, as he was released on August 30, 2015. Shortly after, Lovato was signed by the Green Bay Packers on December 22, 2015. He became the first Old Dominion alumnus to play in a regular-season NFL game when he handled snapping duties for every punt and field goal against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16. However, he was released by the Packers during final team cuts on September 3, 2016. Lovato’s journey continued when he was signed by the Washington Redskins on November 19, 2016, but he was released just ten days later.
Rick Lovato Career
Early Career (2015-2016)
Lovato’s breakthrough came when he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles on December 12, 2016, after the team’s starting long snapper, Jon Dorenbos, suffered a broken wrist. Lovato secured the long snapping position in 2017 after Dorenbos was traded. He quickly made a name for himself, contributing to the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory. Lovato’s performance earned him a four-year contract extension with the Eagles on November 19, 2019, and he was selected to the Pro Bowl later that year.
Breakthrough (2017-2024)
Lovato’s career reached new heights with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played a crucial role in the team’s special teams unit. His first major achievement was winning Super Bowl LII in 2018, where the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots. Lovato continued to excel, and on December 17, 2019, he was named to the Pro Bowl, recognizing his outstanding performance during the season. In 2022, Lovato reached his second Super Bowl, although the Eagles lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. He rebounded in the following season, winning his second Super Bowl title with the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, solidifying his legacy in the franchise’s history.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Rick Lovato has been recognized for his contributions to the game, particularly during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has won two Super Bowl championships and was selected to the Pro Bowl, marking significant milestones in his professional journey.
Rick Lovato Award Nominations
Over the course of his career, Rick Lovato has received several nominations, including his selection to the Pro Bowl in 2019, which highlights his exceptional skills as a long snapper.
Rick Lovato Awards Won
Rick Lovato has achieved notable success in his career, including winning two Super Bowl championships with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII and Super Bowl LIX. His accolades reflect his dedication and talent as a professional football player.
Rick Lovato Family
Rick Lovato is the son of Rick and Maureen Lovato. He has maintained a close relationship with his family throughout his career, which has been a source of support for him.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Rick Lovato is a fan of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League. He has kept his personal life relatively private, focusing on his professional career and contributions to the sport.