New England Patriots Release Long Snapper Joe Cardona

Since 2015, Joe Cardona has been the long snapper for the New England Patriots. That ended with the recent announcement that Cardona was released by the Patriots. The Patriots plan to go with Julian Ashby, who was drafted in the seventh round. 

Cardona’s Tenure Means Little As New England Patriots Move On From the Past

It is rare to draft a long snapper. Cardona was part of this elite group when drafted in the fifth round. He proved the confidence was well deserved. Cardon played in 120 consecutive regular-season games and 13 playoff games. 

The release is one of the final steps to new Head Coach Mike Vrabel’s plan to remove all players from the Bill Belichick era and forge a new identity. With Cardona gone, there are no remaining members of the last New England Patriots Super Bowl team in 2018. 

Cardona Continued To Move Up Military Ranks Even When Playing In NFL  

Cardona attended the United States Naval Academy. During his first training camp, he juggled NFL life with completing his duties in the military. He continued life in the reserves during his NFL career, including a role with the US Forces in Korea. Cardona is currently an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, holding the rank of lieutenant. He is part of the non-profit Military Family Advisory Network, which supports Boston-area servicemen who need aid.