The NFL Salute To Service award this year is going to a very special man and player – Joe Cardona. The New England Patriots had a year to forget, and now they are shifting gears to a new era with Bill Belichick out and Jerod Mayo in. But in this year to forget, Cardona receives honor for what he has been able to accomplish beyond the football field in a much more important field.
NFL Salute To Service Recipient Is Special
This award is for recognizing exceptional efforts of a player supporting our brave and incredible military community. Cardona has the very unique life of being both the Patriots long snapper and a lieutenant in the Navy Reserve.
NFL commissioner Rodger Goodell had only the highest of praise for the long snapper and how special of a man he is way beyond the game we love. He was quoted saying:
“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.”
ESPN reported that, “As department head of Maritime Security Squadron 8, headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, Cardona oversees the logistical needs of 500 sailors across the Eastern Seaboard.” Clearly Cardona is beloved by fans, players, coaches, and pretty much just about everyone. It is very special for the NFL to recognize such a special man.
Joe Cardona An American Hero
Cardona has long been known to be a special player for the Patriots franchise and it is beautiful for the NFL to recognize his exceptional efforts. Cardona will be part of the NFL Award ceremony before the Super Bowl on Thursday and he is so honored to be accepting this award.
“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,” Cardona said. “I am proud to be the son of Patrick Cardona, a 24-year Navy veteran, and Margaret 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.”
The NFL is proud to have someone like Cardona and it is certain that he will continue to make the incredible impact he makes. We all love the game of football, but when you read about men and people like Cardona, you cant help but root for them. This is beyond football and we are sending our biggest congratulations to Joe Cardona, the Lieutenant and the football player.
Related: Bill Belichick Turned Down Head Coaching Job
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