Released After 162 Games and 2 Rings: The Brutal Goodbye to Brady’s Final Teammate

The New England Patriots officially closed a historic chapter in their dynasty on May 3, 2025, with the release of long snapper Joe Cardona—the last active player to have shared the field with Tom Brady. After 10 seasons, 162 games, and two Super Bowl championships, Cardona’s exit isn’t just a routine roster move—it’s the symbolic end of an era that defined a generation of NFL dominance.

Drafted in the fifth round in 2015 out of the U.S. Naval Academy, Cardona embodied professionalism and dependability. While his role as a long snapper often flew under the radar, his presence was anything but forgettable inside the Patriots’ locker room. He was a quiet anchor during times of massive change, bridging the golden age of Brady and Belichick with the new rebuild led by head coach Jerod Mayo.

Cardona was more than just a teammate—he was a piece of living history. He earned his first Super Bowl ring in the 2016 season, snapping for Stephen Gostkowski during Brady’s epic comeback against the Falcons. He claimed his second in 2018, a part of the gritty, defense-led victory over the Rams. While Brady left in 2020, Cardona stayed—silently carrying on the traditions of discipline, preparation, and excellence.

But the NFL is unforgiving. With the 2025 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected Julian Ashby, a young long snapper out of Iowa State, signaling a changing of the guard. Just days later, Cardona was released. Coach Mayo praised Cardona’s professionalism, calling him a “true Patriot,” but emphasized that the team is focused on youth and competition.

Ashby, aware of the shoes he’s stepping into, reportedly referred to Cardona as a “trailblazer.” Still, with the swift nature of NFL transitions, it’s unlikely they’ll ever share a locker room.

For Patriots fans, this goodbye stings more than most. Cardona wasn’t just a name on the roster—he was the final thread tying today’s team to the Brady dynasty. And now, that thread has been cut.

As the Patriots forge ahead into a new chapter, Joe Cardona’s legacy remains a quiet but powerful reminder: even the smallest roles can leave the biggest marks in a dynasty.