In an announcement made Wednesday afternoon leading up to Super Bowl 58, the NFL and USAA named Joe Cardona, the New England Patriots‘ current long snapper, as the recipient of the 2023 Salute to Service Award.
This heartwarming award recognizes the “exceptional efforts by members of the NFL family to honor and support the military background,” where the nominees, including Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones and San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle, were voted based on the positive effect of their efforts on the military community, the type of service conducted, the thoroughness of their support and level of commitment.
Who Is Joe Cardona?
Drafted in the fifth round during the 2015 NFL Draft, Cardona, a Navy graduate, recently became the highest-paid player at his position.
During his rookie season with the Patriots, Cardona displayed pure dedication by balancing a second full-time job in the Navy, serving as a staff officer at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Rhode Island.
Players endure a ton of travel and very little private time with their families during the average season, so for Cardona to hold two jobs and be nominated for this prestigious award is a huge honor for him and his family.
“His commitment to honoring, empowering, and connecting with the military community as an active service member, while also dedicated to his Patriots teammates, truly sets him apart,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
“He is the true embodiment of what it means to be an American hero. The entire NFL family salutes Joe for his service to our country and congratulates him as the recipient of this important award.”
Cardona’s Reaction To Winning the Award
Cardona was quite emotional when talking about what it means to earn the award.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the NFL Salute to Service Award. I am thankful to the New England Patriots organization for accommodating my military service, and I hope to be a model for future players who wish to serve,” Cardona said.
“I appreciate the partnership between the NFL and our military and the role I have been able to play in it. On the field, I hope to represent the fighting spirit of our veterans, as well as my brothers and sisters in arms whom I serve alongside today.
“I am proud to be the son of Patrick Cardona, a 24-year Navy veteran, and Margeret Cardona, who embodies the strength and selflessness of a military spouse. I am proud to be an Officer in the United States Navy and player in the NFL; with or without recognition, I will continue to do my job.”
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Cardona becomes the second player in three seasons to win the award, joining Houston Texans FB Andrew Beck.
Cardona will officially be recognized at the NFL Honors on Feb. 8 at 9:00 p.m. ET.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!