Rick Lovato Bio
Richard Peter Lovato Jr., known professionally as Rick Lovato, is an American former professional football long snapper. Born on September 9, 1992, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, he built a reputation as one of the most reliable specialists at his position during a career that spanned a decade in the National Football League. Lovato won two Super Bowls with the Philadelphia Eagles and earned Pro Bowl recognition in 2019 before retiring in 2025 as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Across his career, Lovato suited up for the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Chargers. He is widely noted as the first Old Dominion Monarchs alumnus to appear in a regular-season NFL game, marking a lasting contribution to his college program.
Early Life and Background
Rick Lovato was born in Neptune Township, New Jersey, to parents Rick and Maureen Lovato. He grew up in Monmouth County and attended Middletown High School South in Middletown, New Jersey, where he began long snapping as a freshman. That early start set the foundation for the specialty that would later define his professional career.
During his high school years, Lovato did not limit himself to snapping duties. He also saw time at center and along the defensive line, giving him a broader understanding of offensive and defensive line play. This versatility helped him stand out as a recruit and prepared him for the physical demands of snapping at higher levels.
After completing high school, Lovato committed to Old Dominion University, a program that was still building its reputation in college football. His path to that school would eventually produce a historic milestone once he reached the NFL.
Path to American Football
Lovato joined the Old Dominion Monarchs football team and played from 2011 to 2014. He appeared in all 50 games during his college career as the program’s primary long snapper, demonstrating remarkable durability and consistency. His reliability quickly became his trademark.
In 2012, his strong play earned him FCS All-American honors, a notable recognition for a specialist at the subdivision level. That same year reinforced his standing as one of the top long snappers in college football and positioned him for a professional opportunity after his senior season.
When the 2015 NFL draft concluded without his name being called, Lovato signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2015. Although his time in Chicago was brief, the signing launched a professional journey that would eventually reach the sport’s biggest stage.
Rick Lovato Career
Early Career (2015-2016)
After joining the Chicago Bears, Lovato was released on August 30, 2015, during final roster cuts. He briefly worked at a sandwich shop in Lincroft, New Jersey, owned by his father and uncle, before getting another opportunity. On December 22, 2015, the Green Bay Packers signed him after starting long snapper Brett Goode suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Lovato made an immediate impact with the Packers, becoming the first Old Dominion alumnus to play in a regular-season NFL game. He handled snapping duties for every punt and field goal against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16 of the 2015 season. He was released by Green Bay on September 3, 2016, then had a short stint with the Washington Redskins from November 19 to November 29, 2016, filling in for the injured Nick Sundberg.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2016-2024)
On December 12, 2016, Lovato signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after starting long snapper Jon Dorenbos suffered a broken wrist. He earned the full-time long snapping job in 2017 after the team traded Dorenbos, and he quickly established himself as a steady presence on special teams.
Lovato’s tenure with the Eagles included several defining moments. He won Super Bowl LII following the 2017 season, cementing his place among Philadelphia’s championship core. On November 19, 2019, he signed a four-year contract extension through 2023, and was selected to the Pro Bowl on December 17, 2019, recognizing his status among the league’s elite specialists.
His time in Philadelphia included both highs and challenges. In 2021, Lovato was briefly waived and re-signed within 24 hours. In 2022, he reached his second career Super Bowl, though the Eagles lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. On March 12, 2024, he signed a one-year contract extension and went on to win Super Bowl LIX, joining Brandon Graham, Lane Johnson, and Jake Elliott as the only four players to win both Super Bowls LII and LIX with the franchise.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2025)
On August 26, 2025, Lovato signed with the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster on September 15, released on October 17, and re-signed to the practice squad before returning to the active roster on October 21. His final NFL chapter closed on November 4, 2025, when he announced his retirement from professional football, partly due to the impending return of long snapper Josh Harris.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a long snapper, Lovato built his reputation on accuracy, consistency, and the ability to deliver clean snaps in high-pressure situations. His durability across multiple franchises and his capacity to step in mid-season and perform immediately highlighted his preparation and technique. The trust placed in him by coaching staffs reflected his professionalism and his understanding of the specialist role.
Notable Events and Milestones
Lovato’s most notable milestones include becoming the first Old Dominion alumnus to play in a regular-season NFL game, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2019, and winning Super Bowls LII and LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles. He is also one of only four Eagles players to have been part of both championship rosters, a rare distinction that places him in a select group in franchise history.
Rick Lovato Career Wins
Rick Lovato finished his NFL career with two Super Bowl championships, both won as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. His postseason success and Pro Bowl selection underscore a career defined by reliability at one of football’s most specialized positions.
Philadelphia Eagles Highlights
During his eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2017 to 2024, Lovato became a fixture on special teams units. He helped the franchise win Super Bowl LII after the 2017 season and Super Bowl LIX after the 2024 campaign. His first championship run established him as a key special teams contributor, while his second placed him among the small group of Eagles players with multiple Super Bowl rings.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his Super Bowl appearances, Lovato earned recognition as an FCS All-American in 2012 during his time at Old Dominion. His Pro Bowl selection in 2019 served as another career highlight, recognizing his consistent performance at the highest level of professional football.
Rick Lovato Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Rick Lovato was raised in a close family in Monmouth County, New Jersey. His parents, Rick and Maureen Lovato, supported his athletic development from an early age, and the family owned a sandwich shop in Lincroft, New Jersey, where Lovato briefly worked between NFL stints. His upbringing in a supportive family environment helped him navigate the challenges of an undrafted path into professional football.
Personal Life
A native of Monmouth County, New Jersey, Lovato is a fan of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League. His connection to his New Jersey roots remained strong throughout his career, even as he played for teams across the country.
2025 Season Performance
Rick Lovato’s 2025 season was spent with the Los Angeles Chargers, beginning when he signed with the practice squad on August 26. He was elevated to the active roster on September 15, then experienced a brief release and re-signing cycle in mid-October that reflected the fluid nature of specialist roster management in the NFL.
On November 4, 2025, Lovato announced his retirement from professional football, partly due to the expected return of long snapper Josh Harris. His decision marked the end of a ten-year NFL career that included two Super Bowl titles and a Pro Bowl selection.
Lovato retires as one of the most accomplished long snappers of his era, remembered for his consistency, his role in two championship teams, and his historic connection to Old Dominion’s football program. His career stands as a model of perseverance for undrafted specialists who reach the league’s highest levels.