Long snapper Rick Lovato looks on during Redskins vs. Packers game.
NORFOLK, Va. – Two weeks after his two week stint with the Redskins, former Old Dominion long snapper Rick Lovato is back in the NFL. He signed with the Eagles after Philadelphia placed long snapper Jon Dorenbos on the Reserve/Injured list.
“Monday morning around 9:00am I got the call from my agent,” Lovato told News 3.
Lovato says he will be finishing out the season with Philadelphia, as Dorenbos’ IR designation is season-ending. The 24 year old did not have to try out for his roster spot, something that is rare for special teams players. Lovato says his previous experience with the Redskins (two games in 2016) and Packers (four games in 2015) is why he was the team’s first and only call, and thus wasn’t required to try out.
Long snapper Rick Lovato prepares to snap for Redskins.
Last month, Washington signed Lovato off the street – actually, out of the deli. He was working at Joyce’s Subs and Pizza in Lincroft, NJ when he got the call from the Redskins. That was his first NFL action since the NFC divisional playoffs in January. Lovato told News 3 he was about to head back to work at Joyce’s when his opportunity with Philadelphia came about.
“I took two weeks off from the deli after I got released from the Skins, but I was actually planning on working this week until I got the call from the Eagles,” Lovato said. Now, he’s employed for a team that plays its home games just 87 miles from Joyce’s.
“I was ecstatic to be able to play for a team so close to home,” Lovato said. “Not only is it convenient for me and my family, it is an absolute blessing that I can continue my dream playing as a professional long snapper in the NFL.”
Lovato and the Eagles play at the Baltimore Ravens Sunday.
