Rookie long snapper for the New England Patriots, Joe Cardona, is heading back to his full-time job now that the Patriots season is over. Cardona will spend several months training as a U.S. Navy officer before reporting for duty as a surface warfare officer on the future USS Zumwalt, the first-in-class stealth destroyer built at Bath Iron Works.

Cardona was a fifth-round draft pick in 2015 and it's not clear if he'll be back with the team next season.

On Wednesday, Cardona was in Newport, Rhode Island, working at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, where he worked part time during the season.

Soon he’ll head to Basic Division Officer Course in Norfolk, Virginia, for two months before reporting for duty in Bath.

The Navy granted Carona a one-year deferment, and he’s hopeful he’ll be able to continue his careers, both on the field and aboard the Zumwalt.

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