Ever since he entered the NFL in the fifth round of the 2015 draft, Joe Cardona has been able to juggle two jobs. As a member of the New England Patriots, the long snapper appeared in 75 regular season and playoff games over the last four seasons and helped the team win two Super Bowl titles. In the meantime, the Naval Academy graduate also served his country through his enlistment with the Navy.
And as he established himself as a key member of the Patriots’ special teams operation, Cardona also rose through the military ranks: the 27-year-old went from ensign to Lieutenant Junior Grade at the Navy reserves over the last four years.