INDIANAPOLIS -- The words used to describe Joe Cardona’s traits as a football player make him sound more like a starting pitcher in baseball.
Navy long snapper Joe Cardona’s unique path to the NFL
He might be the best long snapper in the draft, but we might not see him in the pros this season.
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
He fires a a fastball and gets it delivered in a fraction of a second. He puts good velocity on the ball.
Cardona isn’t a baseball player, though. He’s a long snapper and has a skill set that is uniquely his own. His path to the NFL is a unique one as well.
Cardona is the only long snapper at the NFL Scouting Combine, so plenty believe he has the skills necessary to be a pro football player. Cardona can fire the ball backward at more than 40 miles an hour and gets it to the holder around 0.7 seconds. As far as long snappers go, he does everything a team needs.
What’s unclear, though, is when he’ll be able to start his career.
He’s required to serve five years as a Navy officer and will be commissioned after he graduates in May. The only way Cardona will get to play football again in 2015 is if he’s granted a special exception.
“Ultimately, it’s whatever the Navy wants to do with me and I’m ready and willing to do whatever they ask,” Cardona said on Wednesday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Naval exceptions have been given in the past. Jacksonville Jaguars fullback Eric Kettani was granted an exception after serving three years.
The Navy has already given Cardona an exemption so he could participate in the Senior Bowl last month and now the combine.
Cardona isn’t worried about anything, though, regardless of when he can start a professional football career.
“All I can say is that I’m excited for whatever comes next,” Cardona said. “Getting the opportunity to play football is a dream come true and I hope it comes to fruition. Ultimately, I’m excited to serve my country in May as a Naval officer.”
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