Chris Long

Christopher Howard Long (born March 28, 1985) is an American former professional football player and media personality, best known as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for eleven seasons and for his philanthropy focused on educational equity.^[1][2] The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long and Diane Long, Christopher was born in Santa Monica, California, and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, after his family relocated there during his childhood.^[3][4] He attended St. Anne's-Belfield School and later excelled at the University of Virginia, where he played college football as a defensive end from 2004 to 2007, earning First-Team All-ACC honors in 2007 and having his No. 91 jersey retired by the program.^[5][6] Long was selected second overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2008 NFL Draft, where he spent his first eight seasons, recording a career-high 13 sacks in 2011 and earning NFL All-Rookie Team honors.^[2] He signed with the New England Patriots in 2016, contributing to their Super Bowl LI victory, before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017 and winning Super Bowl LII, making him one of only seven players to win consecutive Super Bowls with different teams.^[7] Over his NFL career, Long amassed 70.5 sacks, 340 tackles, and seven fumble recoveries before announcing his retirement in May 2019.^[2] Renowned for his off-field impact, Long founded the Chris Long Foundation in 2012 to support underserved youth through education and became the first NFL player to donate his entire season's base salary—$1 million in 2017—to charities promoting educational equality, including a matching challenge for fans via his Waterboys initiative.^[8][9] He won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2018 and received ESPN's Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award in 2019.^[10][11] Since retiring, Long has built a media career, hosting the podcast Green Light with Chris Long, which remains active as of 2025 and features discussions on NFL topics and life beyond football, and contributing as an analyst for outlets like FOX Sports.^[12][13]

Early life and education

Early years and family

Christopher Howard Long was born on March 28, 1985, in Santa Monica, California.^[2] He is the oldest son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long, a former NFL defensive end who played 13 seasons primarily with the Los Angeles Raiders, and Diane Addonizio, a former corporate lawyer.^[14][15] Long has two younger brothers: Kyle Long, who later became an NFL offensive lineman, and Howie Long Jr., who pursued a career in entertainment rather than professional athletics.^[16][17] The family resided in the Los Angeles area during Howie Long's playing career, where young Chris showed little initial interest in football, instead participating in Little League baseball and engaging in creative pursuits like writing science-fiction stories.^[15] In 1994, following Howie Long's retirement from the NFL and amid concerns over safety after the Northridge earthquake, the family relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia, when Chris was nine years old.^[15][18] The move to the quieter college town near the University of Virginia allowed for a more grounded upbringing, with the family settling into a home four miles from St. Anne's-Belfield School, where Chris would later attend.^[15] Growing up in a household shaped by his father's storied NFL legacy and subsequent broadcasting career, Long was immersed in discussions about sports, strategy, and hard work from an early age.^[15] This environment fostered his gradual interest in athletics; shortly after the move, at around age nine or ten, he joined a local youth football team called the Eagles—his first organized football experience—primarily attracted by their green uniforms during his inaugural Pop Warner season.^[15][17] While baseball remained an early passion, this introduction to football marked the beginning of his deeper engagement with the sport that would define his future.^[15]

High school career

Chris Long attended St. Anne's-Belfield School in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he emerged as a standout multisport athlete.^[19] In football, Long primarily played defensive end while also contributing on offense as an offensive tackle, helping lead the Saints to two state championships during his career.^[20][21] As a senior in 2003, he recorded 91 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks, powering his team to an undefeated season and the state title under coach John Blake.^[19] His dominant performance earned him the Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year award, Central Virginia Defensive Player of the Year honors from the Daily Progress, and a spot on the SuperPrep All-American team.^[20] Beyond football, Long competed in basketball, lacrosse, and baseball, showcasing his athletic versatility at the school.^[19] As the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long, he carried a notable family athletic legacy into his pursuits.^[22] A highly touted prospect ranked among the top 100 nationally, Long committed to the University of Virginia in the fall of his junior year without visiting other programs, choosing the Cavaliers over offers from North Carolina and Boston College due to his familiarity with Charlottesville and the school's academic reputation.^[20][23]

College career

Long enrolled at the University of Virginia in 2004 following a highly recruited high school career that drew interest from multiple programs, ultimately choosing to play for the Cavaliers close to his Charlottesville hometown.^[20] As a sociology major, he navigated the demands of academics alongside his athletic pursuits, graduating in 2008.^[4][24] Positioned primarily as a defensive end for the Virginia Cavaliers in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Long quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the defense through his exceptional work ethic and leadership qualities.^[20] He served as a team captain during his junior and senior years, earning praise from coaches and teammates for his relentless preparation and ability to motivate others on a unit that emphasized discipline and physicality.^[6] Throughout his career, Long also contributed on special teams, showcasing his versatility and team-first mentality in support of the program's competitive efforts.^[15] Long's development culminated in a standout senior season in 2007, where he anchored the Cavaliers' defense and played a pivotal role in key matchups, including a dominant win over in-state rival Virginia Tech.^[25] That year, he was recognized as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, a finalist for the Lombardi Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, on the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, and won the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top defensive end.^[26][27] Leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss, Long's performance exemplified his growth into one of the conference's elite pass rushers and helped elevate Virginia's defensive standing within the ACC. Nationally, he ranked third in sacks.^[28] Beyond the field, Long's time at UVA fostered his commitment to community engagement, with early involvement in service initiatives that foreshadowed his extensive post-college philanthropy focused on education and water access.^[4] His leadership extended to off-field efforts, where he balanced his athletic prominence with a grounded approach to personal development and team camaraderie.^[15]

College statistics

During his four seasons at the University of Virginia from 2004 to 2007, Chris Long established himself as a dominant defensive lineman, accumulating 134 total tackles, 29.0 tackles for loss, and 20.5 sacks over 47 games.^[5] His statistical progression reflected his growth from a solid contributor as a freshman to an elite senior leader, with production peaking in 2007 when he led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in both tackles for loss (1.46 per game) and sacks (1.08 per game).^[5] Nationally that year, Long ranked third in sacks and eighth in tackles for loss among NCAA Division I players.^[28]

Yearly Defensive Statistics

Source: NCAA statistics via Sports-Reference.com^[5] Long's interception came in 2007 for 25 yards, marking his only career pick as a pass rusher.^[5] In the ACC, he ranked fourth among defensive linemen in tackles per game (4.8) during his sophomore year, building toward his senior campaign where he earned unanimous All-American honors and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award.^[5]

Professional career

Pre-draft and draft

Long's standout senior season at the University of Virginia, where he recorded 14 sacks—third-most in the nation—earned him unanimous All-American honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award in a near-unanimous vote.^[29][30] These accolades, combined with his pedigree as the son of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long, positioned him as one of the top prospects entering the 2008 NFL Draft.^[31] Long declined an invitation to the Senior Bowl but impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.75-second 40-yard dash and 34 bench press repetitions, both among the top marks for defensive linemen.^[32][33] He also excelled in interviews, showcasing his football intelligence and work ethic, which further solidified his status as a versatile edge rusher capable of playing in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes.^[34][31] Scouting reports highlighted Long's exceptional athleticism, relentless motor, and quick first step, projecting him as a top-five pick despite lingering questions about his optimal NFL position and any residual effects from prior college ankle injuries.^[31][35] On draft day, April 26, 2008, the St. Louis Rams selected him second overall, immediately addressing their need for a premier pass rusher.^[2] Long signed a six-year contract worth $56.5 million, including $29 million guaranteed, reflecting his high value as an immediate starter.

St. Louis Rams

Long was selected by the St. Louis Rams with the second overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, beginning his professional career as the team's starting defensive end opposite Leonard Little.^[2] In his rookie season, he started all 16 games, recording 4.0 sacks, 40 combined tackles (32 solo), and a forced fumble, contributing to a Rams defense that ranked mid-tier in sacks despite the team's 2-14 record.^[36][2] Long quickly established himself as a reliable presence on the line, earning recognition as part of the NFL's All-Rookie team by the Pro Football Writers of America.^[37] Long reached the peak of his production from 2011 to 2013, achieving double-digit sacks in each season while anchoring a defense during the Rams' rebuilding phase under head coach Jeff Fisher. In 2011, he led the team with a career-high 13.0 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, adding 2 forced fumbles in 16 starts.^[2] The following year, 2012, saw him notch 11.5 sacks and lead the Rams in quarterback hurries (28) and hits (25), earning a Pro Bowl alternate selection. In 2013, despite the team's 7-9 finish, Long contributed 8.5 sacks and another Pro Bowl alternate nod, continuing his role as the defensive leader with consistent pressure generation.^[36] These years highlighted his development into a premier pass rusher, with notable performances including multiple multi-sack games against divisional opponents. Injuries began to impact Long's availability in his final two seasons with the Rams. A lingering back issue and ankle surgery in 2014 limited him to just 6 games, where he managed 1.0 sack before being placed on injured reserve.^[38] The following year, 2015—his last in St. Louis before the franchise's relocation to Los Angeles—a knee hyperextension sidelined him for 4 games, resulting in 12 appearances, 3.0 sacks, and a reduced starting role amid ongoing back problems.^[39] Throughout his tenure, Long assumed a prominent leadership role on a young, rebuilding Rams squad that endured multiple double-digit losing seasons, mentoring rookies and providing stability on the defensive line during front-office transitions.^[40] Over eight seasons (2008–2015), Long played in 114 games for the Rams, starting 95, and accumulated 54.5 sacks, 246 combined tackles, and 12 forced fumbles, solidifying his status as the franchise's cornerstone pass rusher during a period of consistent roster turnover.^[2] Notable moments included his strip-sack and fumble recovery for a touchdown in 2013 against the Indianapolis Colts, showcasing his disruptive impact. The Rams released Long on February 19, 2016, freeing up cap space as the team prepared for its move to Los Angeles, ending his eight-year stint with the organization.^[41]

New England Patriots

In March 2016, following his release from the St. Louis Rams, Chris Long signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots worth $2.375 million, including a $500,000 signing bonus.^[42] During the 2016 regular season, Long appeared in all 16 games for the Patriots, starting seven as a rotational defensive end on a defense that ranked among the league's best in points allowed and passing efficiency.^[2][43] He recorded 35 total tackles (22 solo), 4.0 sacks, three passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, providing consistent pressure in pass-rush situations alongside players like Jabaal Sheard and Rob Ninkovich.^[2] Long's versatility allowed him to contribute both as an edge rusher and in run defense, helping the unit achieve 40 sacks as a team, second in the NFL. In the playoffs, Long played a supporting role in the Patriots' run to Super Bowl LI, appearing in three games with limited snaps but maintaining his rotational duties. In the Super Bowl on February 5, 2017, against the Atlanta Falcons, Long logged 15 defensive snaps and recorded one quarterback hit during New England's historic 34–28 overtime victory, which featured a comeback from a 28–3 deficit in the third quarter.^[44] His contributions helped cap a season where the Patriots' defense limited opponents to 17.9 points per game during the regular season.^[43] Long joined the Patriots as a veteran presence, bringing leadership from his eight prior seasons with the Rams to mentor younger defenders and foster team cohesion on a squad pursuing its fifth Super Bowl title in the Bill Belichick era.^[45] He was praised for his work ethic and positive influence in the locker room, integrating quickly into the defensive scheme under coordinator Matt Patricia.^[46] Following the Super Bowl win, Long was not re-signed by the Patriots and entered unrestricted free agency in March 2017, seeking opportunities to continue his career.^[47]

Philadelphia Eagles

On March 28, 2017, Long signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, adding veteran depth to their defensive line following his Super Bowl-winning stint with the New England Patriots.^[48] The deal included a $500,000 signing bonus and $1 million base salary for the 2017 season, with incentives that could increase its value.^[49] In the 2017 regular season, Long appeared in all 16 games for the Eagles, starting 1, and contributed 5.0 sacks along with 28 combined tackles, helping anchor a defensive front that ranked among the league's best in sacks.^[2] His role proved pivotal in the playoffs, particularly in Super Bowl LII, where the Eagles defeated the Patriots 41-33 to secure the franchise's first Super Bowl title in a highly anticipated reunion matchup against his former team.^[50] Following the victory, Long delivered an emotional post-game speech in the locker room, celebrating the team's resilience and camaraderie while reflecting on his journey to a second championship. This win marked Long's second Super Bowl ring in as many seasons with different teams. Ahead of the 2018 season, the Eagles restructured the final year of Long's contract in March, guaranteeing him $3 million—including a base salary increase to $2.5 million—to retain him as a rotational player on the defending champions.^[51] However, Long's playing time diminished amid a depth chart bolstered by younger talent; he appeared in all 16 games without a start, recording 6.5 sacks and 23 combined tackles (15 solo + 8 assisted) while transitioning to a mentorship and situational role.^[2] His snap count was limited by the team's rotation as the Eagles finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs.^[52] Long's tenure with the Eagles extended beyond the field through significant community involvement in Philadelphia, where he donated his entire $1 million 2017 salary to educational nonprofits, including initiatives supporting scholarships and equality programs in the city and his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia.^[53] He also collaborated on local projects, such as a community mural in Philadelphia highlighting social issues, and continued his Waterboys initiative to fund clean water access in East Africa, earning praise for his off-field impact during his Eagles years.^[54] After the 2018 season, Long entered free agency as the Eagles opted not to retain him amid a youth movement on the defensive line, paving the way for his subsequent retirement decision.^[55]

Retirement

On May 18, 2019, Chris Long announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons via a Twitter post, expressing deep gratitude for his career while reflecting on the highs and lows he experienced.^[56] In the post, he stated, "Cheers. Been a hell of a journey. Eleven years and I can honestly say I put my soul into every minute of it," emphasizing his love for the game but signaling it was time to move on.^[57] Long cited a combination of factors for his decision, including family priorities—with two young children at home—and the physical demands of the sport, though he noted his health remained strong.^[58] Over his career, he appeared in 162 games, recording 70.0 sacks, and earned two Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots in 2017 and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018.^[2][59] In the immediate aftermath, Long confirmed he had no plans for an NFL return, instead prioritizing time with his family and hinting at future pursuits in areas like media and philanthropy that aligned with his off-field interests.^[60] Early reflections on his legacy focused on personal fulfillment rather than accolades, with Long describing his career as a "labor of love" and expressing zero regrets, while aspiring to build a meaningful impact beyond the field, much like his father, Hall of Famer Howie Long.^[61][62]

Career statistics

College statistics

During his three seasons of playing time at the University of Virginia from 2005 to 2007, following a redshirt year in 2004, Chris Long established himself as a dominant defensive lineman, accumulating 182 total tackles, 36.5 tackles for loss, and 20.0 sacks over 37 games.^[5] His statistical progression reflected his growth from a solid contributor as a redshirt freshman to an elite senior leader, with production peaking in 2007 when he led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in both tackles for loss (1.46 per game) and sacks (1.08 per game).^[5] Nationally that year, Long ranked third in sacks and tenth in tackles for loss among NCAA Division I players.^[28]

Yearly Defensive Statistics

Source: NCAA statistics via Sports-Reference.com^[5] Long's interception came in 2007 for 25 yards, marking his only career pick as a pass rusher.^[5] In the ACC, he ranked fourth among defensive linemen in tackles per game (4.8) during his sophomore year, building toward his senior campaign where he earned unanimous All-American honors and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award.^[5]

NFL statistics

Chris Long played 11 seasons in the NFL from 2008 to 2018, appearing in 162 regular season games and recording 332 combined tackles, 70 sacks, and 15 forced fumbles across his tenures with the St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles.^[2] His defensive contributions were particularly notable in pass rushing, with a career total of 70 sacks ranking him among the active leaders at the time of his retirement.^[63]

Regular Season Statistics

The following table summarizes Long's year-by-year regular season defensive statistics, including games played (G), games started (GS), combined tackles (Comb), sacks (Sk), and forced fumbles (FF). Tackles are derived from solo and assisted counts, with career totals reflecting 252 solo and 80 assisted tackles.^[2][36] Long's career high in sacks was 13.0 in 2011 with the Rams, while his peak for forced fumbles was 4 in 2017 with the Eagles.^[2] He also recovered 6 fumbles in the regular season, including one returned for a touchdown in 2013.^[2]

Postseason Statistics

Long appeared in 8 postseason games, all as a reserve, contributing minimally to pass rushing but supporting two Super Bowl-winning teams (New England Patriots in 2016 and Philadelphia Eagles in 2017). His postseason totals include 8 combined tackles (5 solo, 3 assisted), 0.5 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery.^[2]

Advanced Metrics

According to Pro Football Reference's Approximate Value (AV) metric, which approximates a player's total contribution, Long earned a career total of 58 AV, with a peak of 9 in 2010. This places him as a solid rotational and starting defensive end over his career, though his value was highest during his early years as a full-time starter with the Rams.^[2]

Post-retirement activities

Philanthropy

Chris Long established the Chris Long Foundation in 2015 to address global water access challenges and support underserved communities, initially through the Waterboys initiative, which partners with organizations to install sustainable clean water systems in East Africa.^[64] The foundation's efforts have provided clean water to over 500,000 people worldwide as of 2024, with a goal of reaching 1 million, mobilizing funds from athlete ambassadors and fan donations.^[65] In parallel, the organization focuses on educational equity in the United States, funding programs that supply low-income students with essential items like clothing, hygiene products, and books to remove barriers to learning.^[66] During his NFL career, Long expanded the foundation's scope in 2017 by launching the Pledge 10 for Tomorrow campaign, which encouraged fans and fellow players to donate 10 percent of their income to education initiatives, ultimately raising $1.75 million for scholarships and programs in cities where he played, including Philadelphia, Boston, and St. Louis.^[67] That same year, he donated his entire $1 million base salary to support educational equity for underserved youth, directing funds to organizations providing scholarships and after-school programs.^[8] Long also joined the Players Coalition, co-founded by teammates Malcolm Jenkins and Torrey Smith, to advocate for social justice issues including criminal justice reform and racial equity, contributing to NFL commitments of over $89 million in grants for community programs.^[68] After retiring from the NFL in 2018, Long intensified the foundation's domestic work, launching the First Quarter for Literacy program in partnership with organizations like First Book to distribute over 75,000 culturally relevant books to under-resourced schools and libraries as of 2019, fostering reading skills among children from marginalized communities.^[10] By 2023, educational initiatives had infused over $2.25 million into equity efforts since 2017, including the EdZone program, which provides free books and resources to promote lifelong literacy.^[69] As a continuing task force member of the Players Coalition, Long has supported post-2020 racial justice advocacy, including policy reforms for equitable education and community safety, while the foundation's overall fundraising exceeded $5 million for clean water projects by the early 2020s, with ongoing expansions into literacy and equity programs through 2025.^[68][70]

Media and broadcasting

Following his retirement from the NFL in 2018, Chris Long transitioned into media by launching the Green Light with Chris Long podcast in October 2019.^[71] The show, which Long hosts alongside co-host Macon Gunter and recurring contributors like former teammates Beau Allen and Nate "Dr. Fax" Collins, focuses on NFL analysis, sports culture, and in-depth interviews with athletes, coaches, and entertainment figures.^[13] By November 2025, the podcast had produced over 890 episodes, blending expert football breakdowns with humorous, offbeat discussions on topics ranging from game strategies to pop culture absurdities.^[72] Long's podcast production began as a self-funded endeavor under his own banner, recorded initially from a home studio in Charlottesville, Virginia, reflecting his desire for creative control post-NFL.^[12] It quickly gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as increased listener interest in remote sports content helped expand its audience amid disrupted live events.^[12] By 2022, the show secured sponsorships from BetMGM and distribution partnerships with iHeartRadio and Yote House Media, providing professional production support while maintaining Long's introspective and comedic style.^[73] This evolution allowed for video elements on YouTube and broader reach, with episodes often featuring candid, player-perspective insights that differentiate it from traditional sports talk.^[74] Beyond the podcast, Long has established himself as a regular contributor to major networks, providing NFL commentary for ESPN and Fox Sports.^[12] He frequently appears as a guest analyst on shows like The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, where his thoughtful takes on league issues and humor have resonated with audiences.^[75] His media presence emphasizes a balanced, self-reflective approach, prioritizing nuance over hot takes, which has helped build a loyal following across platforms.^[12]

Awards and honors

In April 2025, Long was inducted into the St. Anne's-Belfield School Athletics Hall of Fame as one of its seven inaugural members, recognizing his outstanding high school career in football, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse.^[76] During the ceremony, he delivered a speech reflecting on his formative years at the school in Charlottesville, Virginia, emphasizing how those experiences shaped his approach to athletics and community involvement.^[77] Long's philanthropic efforts earned him the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award in July 2019, shortly after his retirement, for his dedication to education, clean water access, and youth empowerment through the Chris Long Foundation.^[78] This recognition highlighted his post-NFL transition into full-time advocacy, including initiatives like the "Beat the Odds" scholarship program.^[11] He was named the 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in February 2019, the league's highest honor for on- and off-field excellence, for his charitable work including salary donations to educational causes.^[79] In 2019, Long was also named the Sporting News' top humanitarian in sports for his foundation's impact on underserved communities.^[11] Earlier, in 2018, he received the NFL Players Association's Byron "Whizzer" White Community MVP Award for his charitable contributions, which included donating his entire season's salary to educational causes.^[80] In April 2024, Long was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his collegiate and professional achievements as well as his ongoing community impact in his home state.^[19] His induction speech underscored the role of Virginia roots in his success, tying back to his time at the University of Virginia.^[81] Long became eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Class of 2024, five years after his final NFL season in 2018, though early evaluations position him as a long-shot candidate due to his solid but not dominant career statistics.^[82] Discussions around his potential enshrinement often focus on his two Super Bowl wins and leadership rather than individual accolades.^[83]

Personal life

Long married Megan O'Malley, a fellow University of Virginia graduate and former lacrosse player, on June 22, 2013, in Charlottesville, Virginia.^[84][85] The couple has two sons: Waylon James Long, born March 2, 2016, and Luke Long, born November 26, 2018.^[84][86]