PHILADELPHIA, PA – In a business that celebrates stars, it’s easy to overlook the steady.
But as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, I’ve learned that championships are built on the consistent, the dependable, the invisible excellence — and no one embodied that more than Rick Lovato.

Last week, Rick quietly announced his retirement after an incredible NFL journey, most of it right here in midnight green.
No press tour. No spotlight. Just one Instagram post, one heartfelt message — and a career that deserves far more applause than it will ever get.

🟩 The Invisible Engine of Our Special Teams

Rick was a long snapper — which means unless something went wrong, his name wasn’t in the headlines.
And that’s exactly how he wanted it.

📈 142 perfect snaps in 2024 alone.
🏆 Super Bowl Champion.
🧢 Pro Bowler in 2019.

He didn’t just snap footballs. He snapped with precision, with poise, under pressure — whether it was a preseason punt in August or a potential game-winner in January.

He never once flinched. He never once failed us.

🧠 In the Locker Room, He Was a Rock

Rick wasn’t loud. But when he spoke, people listened.
He was the kind of leader who shook your hand every morning. Who picked up the rookies. Who owned every rep in practice like it was the fourth quarter.

“He was glue,” our special teams coordinator said. “The kind of guy who made everything work — and never asked for credit.”

That’s rare. And that’s why this team — and this coach — will miss him more than anyone can imagine.

💬 I’ll Never Forget…

I’ll never forget the moment he ran onto the field for the final snap of Super Bowl LII. Calm as ever. Eyes locked in.
That’s when I knew: this guy was built for big moments. But more than that — he was built for Philly.

🎗️ A Legacy Off the Field

Rick wasn’t just a pro between the lines.
He was a pillar in South Jersey — through his Lovato’s Love Foundation, he gave over $100,000 to youth programs.
He volunteered, he mentored, he showed up — even when no one asked him to.

And when we gave him the Eagles Community Service Award in 2018, I remember thinking:
“This guy’s gonna leave a bigger mark off the field than on it.” And I was right.

🏆 Final Whistle

Rick Lovato didn’t ask for this spotlight. He never did.
But from one coach to a city that loves this game — he deserves every bit of it now.

🗣️ “Rick is an Eagle forever. He’s what we point to when we tell players: Be that guy.”
– Nick Sirianni

HE NEVER MISSED A SNAP. HE NEVER NEEDED A STAT. HE WAS EVERYTHING WE NEEDED.

Rick Lovato, thank you. From all of us.