FOXBORO, Mass. — Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots hosted a few special guests Tuesday: Navy football coach Ken Niumatalolo and several of his assistants.
“They’re just up here to watch what we’re doing,” Belichick said after Day 1 of mandatory minicamp. “We have a great relationship with Ken. He’s been a good friend, and everything I’ve asked, he’s always been there for me.”
Belichick’s ties to the Naval Academy, where his father, Steve, served as an assistant coach for 34 years, run deep.
Raised in Annapolis, Md., the Patriots head coach drafted long snapper Joe Cardona in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft and showed interest in Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds before this year’s draft. Reynolds reportedly went through a private workout with New England before ultimately being picked by the Baltimore Ravens.
Speaking of Cardona, the Navy product was back on the practice field Tuesday after military duties forced him to miss organized team activities.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said on “The Dan Patrick Show” last month that Cardona will be eligible to play this season despite initial reports to the contrary, but the long snapper would not confirm that when he met the media after practice.
“It’s still all to be determined,” Cardona told reporters, via Patriots.com. “(I’m) just taking things one day at a time, one job at a time.”
Cardona appeared in every game for the Patriots last season. He’s one of two long snappers, along with Christian Yount, currently on New England’s roster.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
