The Philadelphia Eagles have managed to secure much-needed pieces before the final stretch of the 2019 NFL season. That effort included making sure long snapper Rick Lovato sticks around for the long haul.

Lovato admits he is now living the dream after signing a four-year extension with the Eagles, via Chris McPherson of the team's official wesbite:

“To know that I'm going to be here for the next four years is incredible. It's what I've been looking forward to since the day I first got here and that's being with this team for the rest of my career,” the 27-year-old Lovato said. “I'm a Jersey guy who grew up right down the road. This is just a dream come true for me.

Lovato initially made his NFL debut for the Green Bay Packers during the 2015 campaign before he was cut and picked up by the Washington Redskins during the 2016 NFL season. He then found himself in Philadelphia after a brief stint in Washington to finish out the year and ultimately won the job the following offseason.

Lovato has since managed to win Super Bowl LII with the Eagles and is now set to continue his integral role on special teams for the foreseeable future. There is no question that kicker Jake Elliott and punter Cameron Johnston are happy to have such a critical part of their operation around for the long haul. It is safe to say that the Old Dominion alumnus has done pretty well for himself following an unexpected journey to the NFL.