Joe Cardona Bio
Joseph Cardona is an American football long snapper who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He is also a U.S. Naval Reserve officer, balancing a professional sports career with continued military service. Cardona previously spent a decade with the New England Patriots, where he earned two Super Bowl championships and became one of the most respected specialists of his era.
Born and raised in Southern California, Cardona played college football at the United States Naval Academy before entering the NFL in 2015. He is recognized for his consistency on special teams and for being among the longest-tenured long snappers in league history.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Cardona was born on April 16, 1992, in San Diego, California. He grew up in nearby El Cajon, where he was raised by his parents, Patrick and Margaret Cardona. He is of Mexican heritage and grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged athletic participation.
Cardona attended Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, where he lettered for two years on the football team and four years on the lacrosse team. As a senior, he was named his conference’s lacrosse Most Valuable Player. He graduated from Granite Hills in 2010.
Following high school, Cardona attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, for one year to prepare for military and academic life. He then enrolled at the United States Naval Academy, where he majored in economics and earned a spot on the football team as a long snapper.
Path to American Football
Cardona’s path to professional football ran directly through his military commitment. At the Naval Academy, he was a four-year starter at long snapper and was never charged with a single bad snap during his college career. The Navy Midshipmen compiled a 30–21 record over his four seasons, including four victories over rival Army and appearances in three bowl games.
His reliability as a specialist drew the attention of NFL scouts, even though long snappers are rarely drafted. In the 2015 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Cardona in the fifth round with the 166th overall pick, making him only the fourth pure long snapper to be drafted in NFL history and the second drafted by the Patriots.
Joe Cardona Career
Early Career (2015)
Cardona signed his rookie contract with the New England Patriots on June 4, 2015. The structure of his deal reflected the unique uncertainty of his availability, given his military obligations. He earned a $100,000 signing bonus and could earn additional roster bonuses in each of his first three seasons.
He made his official NFL debut on September 10, 2015, in the Patriots’ 28–21 opening-night victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his rookie season, he also spent his off days serving as Command Duty Officer at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, demonstrating his dual commitment to football and the Navy.
New England Patriots Era (2015–2024)
From 2015 through 2024, Cardona built a decade-long career with the Patriots, becoming a fixture on special teams. He played in all 16 games in each of his first two seasons and contributed to the team’s Super Bowl LI victory over the Atlanta Falcons in February 2017. He played seven special teams snaps in that game and helped New England to a 34–28 overtime win.
Cardona remained a key contributor through the following seasons, reaching Super Bowl LII after the 2017 campaign and Super Bowl LIII after the 2018 season. The Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3 in Super Bowl LIII, giving Cardona his second championship ring. In June 2018, he signed a four-year contract extension with the team.
On December 20, 2022, Cardona was placed on injured reserve after partially tearing a tendon in his foot during a Week 14 game against the Arizona Cardinals. The injury ended a streak of 140 consecutive games started, including 127 regular-season games, dating back to 2015. He returned to the Patriots on a new four-year extension in March 2023, a deal that made him the highest-paid long snapper in the league.
In 2024, Cardona was named a team captain for the first time in his career. That same year, he received the NFL’s 13th annual Salute to Service Award in recognition of his military service. He was released by the Patriots on April 29, 2025, after the team drafted long snapper Julian Ashby, ending a ten-year run that made him the longest-tenured player on the roster at the time.
Miami Dolphins Era (2025–Present)
Cardona was signed by the Miami Dolphins on May 9, 2025, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He joined the Dolphins as an experienced veteran long snapper with more than a decade of NFL service and two championship rings. His transition to Miami gives him an opportunity to continue his dual role as an active Naval Reservist and a starting NFL specialist.
Driving Style and Strengths
Cardona is widely respected for his technical precision, snap accuracy, and durability. He built his reputation on consistency and quiet professionalism, qualities that allowed him to start more than 140 consecutive games at one point. His ability to manage both a demanding military schedule and an NFL career has made him a unique figure in professional football.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cardona’s most celebrated moments include back-to-back Super Bowl appearances and two championship wins with the Patriots. He was part of the Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LIII winning teams, and he received the 2023 Salute to Service Award for his contributions to the military community. He also became the highest-paid long snapper in the NFL following his 2023 contract.
Joe Cardona Career Wins
Across his NFL career, Joe Cardona has earned two Super Bowl championships as a member of the New England Patriots. He was part of the Super Bowl LI victory in February 2017 and the Super Bowl LIII victory in February 2019. He also added the NFL’s 2023 Salute to Service Award to his list of honors.
Patriots Highlights
Cardona spent ten seasons with the New England Patriots after being drafted in 2015. He appeared in multiple Super Bowls, contributed to two championship wins, and started 140 consecutive games at one point. His tenure ended in 2025 when the Patriots drafted a younger long snapper, making him one of the longest-tenured specialists in team history.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond team championships, Cardona earned the 2023 Salute to Service Award, an annual league honor recognizing exceptional commitment to the military community. His reliability in regular-season play and postseason play helped anchor the Patriots’ special teams units for a decade.
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, where he developed his love for athletics before attending the Naval Academy. His Mexican heritage and family upbringing shaped his path toward both military service and professional football.
Personal Life
Cardona continues his service as a U.S. Naval Reserve officer and currently serves as department head of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Eight, based at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. In that role, he oversees the logistical needs of approximately 500 sailors across the Eastern Seaboard.
2025 Season Performance
Joe Cardona joined the Miami Dolphins on May 9, 2025, after a decade-long stint with the New England Patriots. His arrival provided the Dolphins with an experienced, championship-tested specialist who has remained durable throughout his career. As one of the league’s most accomplished long snappers, he is expected to handle all snapping duties in Miami.
Beyond his on-field role, Cardona continues to balance his NFL schedule with his Navy Reserve obligations. His leadership on special teams and his continued military service make him a notable veteran presence in the Dolphins’ locker room during the 2025 season.
With his track record of consistency, durability, and postseason success, Cardona brings championship experience to a Dolphins team looking to compete in the AFC. His professional approach and reputation for reliability position him as a steady contributor as the 2025 season unfolds.