Philadelphia, PA — November 5, 2025
An unsung hero of the Philadelphia Eagles’ two recent Super Bowl championship teams has hung up his football helmet for the final time.
A career spanning
11 seasons in the NFL has officially come to an end.
As Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean discussed the team’s renewed energy and success this week on The Insiders, one of the franchise’s most reliable veterans quietly said goodbye.
Rick Lovato, the longtime long snapper and steady presence on special teams, signed a one-day contract on Tuesday to retire as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles after being placed on the
reserve/retired list by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Lovato spent nine seasons in Philadelphia, appearing in 135 games, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2019, and winning two Super Bowl rings. Though rarely in the spotlight, his consistency and professionalism made him one of the most respected figures in the locker room.
“To retire an Eagle means everything to me,” Lovato said in a statement. “This city believed in me when few others did. Every snap, every win, every moment in green — I’ll carry it forever.”
He began his NFL journey with the Green Bay Packers, later spending time with Washington before finding a permanent home in Philadelphia. After parting ways with the Eagles following the 2024 season, he joined the
Chargers, playing nine games in 2025 before deciding it was time to walk away.
Coaches and teammates described Lovato as the definition of reliability — a player who never sought attention but whose impact was felt every Sunday.
“Rick was the heartbeat of our special teams unit for nearly a decade,” said special teams coordinator Michael Clay. “He represented what it means to be an Eagle — selfless, disciplined, and unshakable under pressure.”
As he officially retires in midnight green, Rick Lovato leaves behind more than two championship rings — he leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, quiet excellence, and the steady heartbeat of a championship era in Philadelphia.
