Joe Cardona

Joseph Cardona Bio

Joseph Cardona is an American long snapper in the National Football League who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins. He previously spent ten seasons with the New England Patriots after being selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft. A unique aspect of Cardona’s career is his continued service in the United States Naval Reserve while playing professional football, making him one of the few athletes to balance an NFL career with military obligations. Cardona earned two Super Bowl championships during his tenure with the Patriots and received the Salute to Service award in 2024.

Early Life and Background

Cardona grew up in El Cajon, California. He is the son of Patrick Cardona and Margaret Cardona, and he is of Mexican heritage. Cardona attended Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, where he lettered two years in football and four years in lacrosse. He earned conference lacrosse MVP honors as a senior and graduated in 2010.

Path to Professional Football

After completing high school, Cardona attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, for one year before enrolling at the United States Naval Academy. At Navy, he majored in economics and became a four-year starter as a long snapper. Remarkably, he was not charged with a single bad snap during his entire college career. The Midshipmen compiled a 30-21 record during his four years, including four wins over arch-rival Army, and played in three bowl games. Cardona’s consistency and precision as a long snapper drew attention from NFL scouts.

Joseph Cardona Career

New England Patriots (2015-2024)

On May 2, 2015, the New England Patriots selected Cardona in the fifth round with the 166th overall pick in the NFL draft. This selection made him the fourth pure long snapper ever drafted in NFL history and the second drafted by the Patriots. Due to his Naval commitment, Cardona’s military assignment was delayed until after the 2015 NFL season, allowing him to play professionally. He signed his rookie contract on June 4, 2015. He made his NFL debut in the season opener on September 10, 2015, snapping in the Patriots’ win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In May 2016, the United States Secretary of the Navy approved Cardona’s request to play in the NFL for the 2016 season while maintaining his Naval Reserve status. He played in all 16 games that season and was part of the Patriots’ playoff run, contributing to their Super Bowl LI victory against the Atlanta Falcons in February 2017. Cardona played in all 16 games again in 2017 and was part of the team that reached Super Bowl LII, where the Patriots lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. In June 2018, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Patriots.

Later Seasons with New England

The Patriots returned to the Super Bowl in the 2018 season, defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII with Cardona as a contributor. During his time with the Patriots, Cardona balanced his NFL career with his Naval Reserve duties, working 24-hour shifts as a Command Duty Officer at the Naval Academy Preparatory School on his days off during his rookie season. He was promoted to lieutenant in a ceremony at Gillette Stadium on June 7, 2019.

In December 2022, Cardona suffered a torn tendon in his foot during a game against the Arizona Cardinals, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. This injury ended a streak of 140 consecutive games played since being drafted. On March 21, 2023, he re-signed with the Patriots on another four-year contract worth $6.3 million, making him the highest-paid long snapper in the league at that time. On February 7, 2024, Cardona was announced as the recipient of the 13th annual Salute to Service award, recognizing his commitment to both football and military service.

On September 2, 2024, Cardona was named a team captain for the first time in his career. In Week 1 of the 2024 season against the Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded a forced fumble that was recovered by the Patriots. On April 29, 2025, the Patriots released Cardona after ten seasons with the organization. At the time of his release, he was the longest-tenured player on the roster and the last remaining member of the Super Bowl LIII championship team.

Miami Dolphins (2025-Present)

Cardona signed with the Miami Dolphins on May 9, 2025. He brought his reputation for consistency and reliability to Miami’s special teams unit. The Dolphins sought his veteran experience and proven track record at a position where precision is essential. Cardona continued his consistent performance with his new team, providing stability to Miami’s kicking game as he entered his eleventh NFL season.

Military Service

Throughout his NFL career, Cardona has maintained his commitment to the United States Naval Reserve. He currently serves as department head of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Eight, based at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. In this role, Cardona oversees the logistical needs of 500 sailors across the Eastern Seaboard. His dual commitment to both his country and his sport has distinguished him throughout his professional career.

Joseph Cardona Career Wins

Cardona has built a career defined by durability and consistency. He has appeared in 177 NFL games with 25 total tackles and one forced fumble. He was a member of two Super Bowl championship teams with the Patriots, winning Super Bowls LI and LIII. In addition to his Super Bowl victories, Cardona was named to the Patriots All-Dynasty Team and received the league’s Salute to Service Award in 2024.

Joseph Cardona Family

Family Background

Cardona was born in San Diego, California, to Patrick Cardona and Margaret Cardona. He is of Mexican heritage. His father and mother’s names are listed in his biographical records. Cardona grew up in El Cajon, California, where he developed his athletic abilities before pursuing both a college football career at the Naval Academy and a continued military career.

2025 Season Performance

Cardona enters the 2025 NFL season with the Miami Dolphins following his April release from the New England Patriots after a decade with the organization. Signed by Miami in May 2025, Cardona brought veteran stability to the Dolphins’ special teams unit. The Dolphins acquired Cardona for his proven consistency and reliability at the long snapper position, where his performance has been dependable throughout his career. With his experience and the precision developed through years of balancing both his military service and professional football career, Cardona provides valuable leadership to Miami’s special teams as the Dolphins aim for playoff contention in the 2025 season.

Joseph Cardona Awards and Honors