Philadelphia Eagles: It’s a good year to be Rick Lovato

After earning a four-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles back in November, Rick Lovato’s year keeps getting better with a Pro Bowl nod.

Rick Lovato has the Philadelphia Eagles‘ most thankless job.

Playing quite possibly the least understood position in professional football, the 27-year-old long snapper really only garners headlines when he messes up royally – or when he makes a surprise appearance acting across from Jason Mewes in a web series (more on that here).

But today is a good day for Rick Lovato.

You see, the NFL has released their initial Pro Bowl rosters in the lead up to Week 16 and five Eagles have made the cut: Fletcher Cox, Zach Ertz, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, and yes, Middletown, New Jersey’s own Rick Lovato.

And to top it off, according to his celebratory Instagram post (check it out below), this is the first year in NFL history where long snappers could be voted on by their coaches and peers.

What a cool moment.

Now despite my occupation, I’m not exactly sure how coaches and peers judge one long snapper against another – could it be launch velocity? Break angle? Tackles? – but regardless, to be selected above some 30-plus other players to earn such an honor is just that: An honor.

Not too bad for a player who gets released by every Madden player ever immediately.

Furthermore, Lovato being honored for his exemplary play also validates Howie Roseman‘s decision to give the fifth-year snapper a four-year extension worth $4.25 million. Granted, it’s not like anyone was all that offended by the move, as it was more or less expected after extending a qualifying offer last spring, but barring a catastrophic turn of events, it’s safe to say the team can disregard a potential out before the 2021 season.

So congratulations Rick Lovato; what a wonderful way to cap off a year for the books.