This weekend, Gillette Stadium will set the stage for the 124th Army-Navy Game, a monumental event on the college football calendar. For New England Patriots’ long snapper Joe Cardona, this matchup holds profound significance.
The 31-year-old, a Naval Academy alum, is the sole player on the Patriots’ roster with first-hand experience in the storied game.
Before joining the Patriots in 2015, Cardona participated in four Army-Navy showdowns during his tenure at the Naval Academy — each culminating in victory for his team.
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Reflecting on those memorable days, Cardona shared his emotions, stating, “I definitely get emotional thinking about those days, getting to play with my best friends in the world in those Army-Navy games. It is a special experience.”
Despite achieving success on the NFL stage, including three Super Bowl appearances and two rings, facing Army in the college matchup remains uniquely significant for Cardona.
He emphasized the surreal nature of participating in a game watched by military personnel worldwide, underscoring the pride felt by sailors, soldiers, and Marines not affiliated with the service academies.
Cardona’s commitment to the Navy extends beyond the football field. As a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve, he continues to actively engage with the military community. Hosting re-enlistment and retirement ceremonies and organizing football clinics for military children, Cardona’s contributions were recognized with the Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2018.
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Despite his deep connection to the Navy, attending the Army-Navy Game in person has been limited due to NFL commitments. With the Patriots’ Week 14 game played on Thursday night, Cardona anticipates attending only his second Army-Navy Game at Gillette Stadium.
Kickoff for the 2023 Army-Navy Game is set for 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 9, marking a poignant moment for Joe Cardona and the enduring legacy of the storied rivalry.
