Patriots Long Snapper Joe Cardona Was Promoted to Lieutenant on 75th Anniversary of D-Day
By Daniel Lubofsky
D-Day is an important day in the history of the United States, and the historic day will now hold a little extra weight for New England Patriots' long snapper Joe Cardona.
After spending four years at the U.S. Naval Academy from 2011-14, Cardona was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the Navy at Gillette Stadium Thursday morning.
Very cool moment at Gillette Stadium this morning: Patriots LS Joe Cardona, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. A special honor that takes place on the 75th anniversary of D Day.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 6, 2019
The two-time Super Bowl champion has had to balance his NFL career with active duty commitments at the Naval Preparatory Academy in Rhode Island.
A fifth-round pick by the Patriots back in 2015, Cardona has yet to miss a game during his four years as a pro, and has accomplished more than most during his time away from the game.
Following Thursday’s practice @Patriots coach Bill Belichick on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Joe Cardona’s promotion to Lieutenant in the @USNavy and the @NHLBruins Game 5 matchup with St. Louis. pic.twitter.com/bp843hSVai
— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) June 6, 2019
Cardona was promoted from the position of Lieutenant Junior Grade to Lieutenant on what is the 75th anniversary of D-Day, a special accomplishment for a truly awesome individual.