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Chris Long
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Christopher Howard Long (born March 28, 1985) is an American former professional football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. The son of Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long and older brother of NFL guard Kyle Long, he played college football at the University of Virginia and won the Ted Hendricks Award as a senior. Long was selected by the St. Louis Rams second overall in the 2008 NFL draft, where he spent eight seasons. He later played one season for the New England Patriots and two for the Philadelphia Eagles, winning a Super Bowl title with each.
Key Information
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Long is one of six players to win consecutive Super Bowls for different teams, having won Super Bowl LI with the Patriots and Super Bowl LII with the Eagles. He also received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2018 for his charitable work, which included donating his entire 2017 salary to charity.[1]
Early life
[edit]Chris Long was born in Santa Monica, California and is a son of Hall of Fame NFL defensive end Howie Long.[2] He has two younger brothers, former NFL guard Kyle Long and Howie Long Jr., a scouting assistant and personnel assistant for the Las Vegas Raiders.[3][4] He is a great-nephew of film director Irvin Kershner.[5] He appeared in a 1980s anti-underage drinking public service announcement as an infant with his parents.[6] Chris Long is the godson of the Hall of Fame Quarterback Terry Bradshaw.
Long attended St. Anne's-Belfield School in Charlottesville, Virginia.[7] As a senior in 2003, he was in on 91 tackles, 23 tackles for a loss, and 15 sacks, helping his team to an undefeated record and the state UIL school championship. "He was a big gangly kid who had yet to grow into his body," said John Blake, the St. Anne's-Belfield coach. "But he jumped in with both feet. When he played tackle, he would drive kids 10 or 15 yards down the field, like he was steering a car."[2] He was given a 4-star ranking for college recruiting from Rivals.com, a service that rated him the sixth-best defensive end in the prep ranks.[8] He played in the 2004 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.[7] Long also played basketball, lacrosse, and baseball in high school.[9]
College career
[edit]
in January 2008
Long played college football at the University of Virginia under head coach Al Groh from 2004 to 2007, while pursuing a degree in sociology.[7] As a freshman in 2004, he was a backup on the defensive line, but missed five games due to mononucleosis. Long ended the season with five tackles (two for a loss) and a sack.
As a sophomore in 2005, Long averaged 3.8 tackles per game, leading all Virginia defensive linemen. He totaled 46 tackles, with 10 tackles for a loss and 2 sacks. His 26 quarterback pressures led his team. He also shared the team lead in pass break-ups with seven.
In 2006, Long earned second-team All-ACC honors and was voted team captain. While starting all games, Long recorded 57 tackles, 12 for a loss, and 4 sacks. His 4.8 tackles per game was fourth among ACC defensive lineman. He was also a finalist for the Dudley Award, for the most outstanding player in the Commonwealth of Virginia and was an All-State selection.
Following his senior season in 2007, Long was recognized as a unanimous First-team All-American.[10] Long was fourth nationally in tackling by a defensive lineman, averaging 5.3 tackles per game.[7] In addition, North Carolina head coach Butch Davis, who coached against Long in North Carolina's ACC match-ups with Virginia, called Long one of the premier defensive linemen in the country.[11]
Long entered the 2007 season on the watch lists for the Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Trophy, Lombardi Trophy, Hendricks Award, and the Lott Trophy.[7] He finished the season as a finalist for the Lombardi, Lott, and Nagurski Trophies. On December 5, Long won the 2007 Hendricks Award, given to the top defensive end in the nation. Long garnered more than 60 percent of the votes, the most ever for a winner in the history of the award.[12] Additionally, Long received a first-place vote and finished 10th in the 2007 Heisman Trophy voting.[13]
Although he never completed his degree,[14] Long's #91 jersey was retired at the University of Virginia on November 24, 2007, making him the first to have his jersey retired while an active player.[15]
College statistics
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fum & Int | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | TfL | Sck | PD | Int | FF | FR | QBH | TD | ||
| 2004 | Virginia | 6 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 | Virginia | 12 | 12 | 46 | 19 | 27 | 10 | 2.0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 |
| 2006 | Virginia | 12 | 12 | 57 | 32 | 25 | 12 | 5.0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 0 |
| 2007 | Virginia | 13 | 13 | 69 | 36 | 33 | 19 | 14.0 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 23 | 1 |
| Career | 43 | 37 | 177 | 90 | 87 | 43 | 22.0 | 17 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 70 | 1 | |
Professional career
[edit]Pre-draft
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | Wonderlic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
272 lb (123 kg) |
32+1⁄2 in (0.83 m) |
10+1⁄8 in (0.26 m) |
4.75 s | 1.53 s | 2.71 s | 4.21 s | 7.02 s | 34 in (0.86 m) |
10 ft 4 in (3.15 m) |
x reps | 34 |
| All values from NFL Combine[16][17] | ||||||||||||
At the NFL Combine, Long did not lift the bench-press reps of 225 pounds because of an injured thumb.[18]
Virginia Pro Day
Bench press: 370 lbs; Squat: 640 lbs; Power clean: 375 lbs[19]
St. Louis Rams
[edit]Long was selected by the St. Louis Rams second overall in the 2008 NFL draft.[20][21] The selection made him just the second son of a Hall of Famer, after tight end Kellen Winslow II, to be drafted in the first round, the fifth such player ever drafted, and one of two such players drafted in 2008 (the other being Matthew Slater).[22]
Following the draft, Rams head coach Scott Linehan named Long a presumptive starter on defense, a notion that Long rejected and instead felt he needed to earn a spot as a starter.[23] The Rams also announced their plans on using Long as both a linebacker and defensive end to showcase his athleticism.[24] Long considered his ability to play multiple positions one of his best assets.[25]
On July 19, 2008, Long agreed to terms on a six-year $56.5 million contract with the Rams with $29 million guaranteed.[26][27]
On September 14, 2008, Long recorded his first career sack against Eli Manning of the New York Giants. He recorded his first 2-sack game versus the New England Patriots on October 26, 2008. At the end of his 2008 rookie season he was voted All-Rookie by the Pro Football Writers Association and Sporting News.[28] Long started 16 games (14 at right DE and 2 at left DE) for the Rams in 2008, recording 4 sacks and leading the team in quarterback pressures, with a high of two sacks against the New England Patriots.
In 2009, Long again played both left and right defensive end for the Rams and ended the season with 5 sacks, which was second on the team. He also led the team's defensive linemen with 43 tackles (33 solo plus 10 assists) and for the second straight season he led the Rams in quarterback hits/hurries.
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In 2010, Long moved to left defensive end, a position previously held by Leonard Little, where he is a more "natural fit" according to his coaches. In Week 6, 2010, against the San Diego Chargers, Long recorded two sacks and was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week by the NFL. Long also helped keep the Chargers to 287 total yards. For the third consecutive season, he led the team in hits/hurries. In addition, he led the NFL in hurries in 2010 with 41.5 and in total quarterback disruptions with 67.5 (Quarterback disruptions are the combined total of quarterback sacks, hits, and hurries) and was named fourth alternate to the Pro Bowl.[29]
In 2011, Chris Long decided to change his jersey number from 72 to his former collegiate number 91, which was previously worn by Leonard Little. On September 17, 2011, the Rams and Long agreed to a restructuring of his contract to free money under the salary cap. The restructured deal included a $12.1 million signing bonus and a base salary in excess of $10 million in 2012. Including the prorated signing bonus amount, Long had an $18.3 million cap number for the 2012 season.[30]
On October 30, 2011, Long had a career-high 3 sacks versus the New Orleans Saints and was named Sports Illustrated's NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.[31] And for the second consecutive season he led the NFL in quarterback disruptions.[32] Long also led the Rams in quarterback hurries with 15 and quarterback hits with 16.[33] He was voted as an alternate to the Pro Bowl for the second time.[34]
On July 29, 2012, Long and the Rams agreed to a four-year contract extension.[33] The extension added $50 million over 4 years, with $27 million guaranteed. Counting the existing year of contract (2012) which was reworked in 2011, Long's overall deal ended up at $60 million over 5 years, with $37 million guaranteed.[35]
In 2012 Long led the Rams in sacks with 11.5 and again led the team in quarterback hits (24) and hurries (50). Additionally, according to Football Outsiders.com Long led NFL defensive ends in hurries for the third straight season.[36] On December 30, 2012, Long tied a career-high of 3 sacks versus the Seattle Seahawks.[37] He was also voted as a Pro Bowl alternate for the third time.[29]
On October 24, 2013, Long was ejected and fined $15,750 for throwing a punch at Carolina Panthers guard Chris Scott early in the third quarter.[38] Against the Colts, Long recovered an Andrew Luck fumble and ran it in for a touchdown, his first NFL score, and was named co-NFC Defensive Player of the Week by Sports Illustrated (along with Robert Quinn). Long ended the 2013 season with 8.5 sacks and took his career total to 50.5 sacks and was named to the All-Fundamentals teams for the second consecutive season. Also in 2013 Long was voted first alternate defensive end to the Pro Bowl, the fourth consecutive season he was an alternate. Once again for the sixth consecutive season he led the Rams teams in quarterback pressures with 39, but was second in quarterback hits to All-Pro Robert Quinn.[39][40]
On September 10, 2014, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher announced Long would spend two months recovering from ankle surgery. The injury reduced Long's 2014 season to six games.[41]
Long played 12 games for the Rams in 2015. He was released by the team on February 19, 2016.[42]
New England Patriots
[edit]On March 18, 2016, Long signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots worth $2 million.[43] Long appeared in every game, starting in seven, and made solid contributions as a situational player on a team that went on to go 14–2 in the regular season, capture the AFC Championship, and win Super Bowl LI, his first Super Bowl title.
Long played an important role in a critical play helping the team to a dramatic comeback victory. The Patriots trailed 28–3 in the third quarter, but rallied all the way back to win the game by a score of 34–28 against the Atlanta Falcons, which featured the first overtime game in Super Bowl history and the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.[44] Although not appearing in any statistical category during the game, Long played a crucial part in the team's comeback when Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews was called for holding Long on an eight-yard catch that would have put the Falcons at the Patriots 26-yard line for a potential game-sealing field goal. Instead, the Falcons were pushed out of field goal range and the Patriots were able to tie the game on their following possession.[45]
Philadelphia Eagles
[edit]On March 28, 2017, his 32nd birthday, Long signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.[46][47] Long announced that he would donate his entire 2017 salary to charity.[1] Long played in all 16 games in the 2017 season, recording 5 sacks and a career high 4 forced fumbles. He added 4 tackles, 2 pass deflections, and a fumble recovery in 3 postseason games.
Long, along with fellow ex-New England Patriot, LeGarrette Blount, helped the Eagles defeat their former team in Super Bowl LII.[48][49][50]
Following the 2018 season, Long was named the recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his efforts regarding clean water, military appreciation and youth education.[51]
Retirement
[edit]After the 2018 season, Long announced his retirement on May 18, 2019.[52]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Won the Super Bowl | |
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | ||
| 2008 | STL | 16 | 16 | 40 | 32 | 8 | 4.0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | STL | 16 | 4 | 43 | 33 | 10 | 5.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2010 | STL | 16 | 16 | 29 | 26 | 3 | 8.5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2011 | STL | 16 | 16 | 37 | 31 | 6 | 13.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2012 | STL | 16 | 16 | 33 | 25 | 8 | 11.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | STL | 16 | 16 | 40 | 33 | 7 | 8.5 | 1 | 2 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2014 | STL | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | STL | 12 | 5 | 19 | 9 | 10 | 3.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | NE | 16 | 7 | 35 | 22 | 13 | 4.0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2017 | PHI | 16 | 1 | 28 | 20 | 8 | 5.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | PHI | 16 | 0 | 23 | 15 | 8 | 6.5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career[53] | 162 | 103 | 329 | 249 | 80 | 70.0 | 14 | 6 | 46 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | |
Career after football
[edit]Following his football career, Long founded and became the host of the Green Light Podcast.[54] The Green Light Podcast features in-depth interviews with celebrities, musicians and athletes, commentary from Long and his co-hosts, football analysis and sports gambling coverage.[54]
In May 2015, Long launched The Chris Long Foundation, which helps raise money for the Waterboys. ORG Initiative, an effort dedicated to building wells for communities in East Africa.[55][56] In 2017, Long stated that he would donate his entire season's salary to charity,[1] with the money going to a different cause each week.[57] Long said in a statement: "I hope it won't stop here, but that more people will become inspired to commit energy and resources to our educational system. It will be the number of people invested in this cause that will be the difference maker for a quality education for every student in America. Education is the best gateway to a better tomorrow for EVERYONE in America."[58]
He is currently a panelist on the weekly highlight show Inside the NFL, a role he has held since the show first moved to The CW in 2023.
Personal life
[edit]On June 22, 2013, Long married Megan O'Malley in Charlottesville, Virginia. O'Malley is a graduate of the University of Virginia and former member of the UVA women's lacrosse team. The couple have two children; a son born on March 2, 2016, and a second born on November 26, 2018.[59][60]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Busbee, Jay (October 18, 2017). "Chris Long will donate every game check for 2017 to charity". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved October 20, 2017.
- ^ a b Himmelsbach, Adam (November 24, 2007). "Chris Long Depends on Hard Work More Than Famous Name". The New York Times. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
- ^ Finley, Patrick (October 2, 2015). "Long story: Bears' Kyle welcomes little bro, Raiders". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
- ^ "The Long Family | Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site". pfhof. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
- ^ Caldwell, Christopher (January 27, 2017). "Pats' Solutions". The Weekly Standard. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
- ^ "Howie Long For United Way | Commercial". Retrojunk.com. December 5, 2006. Retrieved December 29, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e "Chris Long Biography". VirginiaSports. University of Virginia. July 19, 2007. Archived from the original on February 16, 2012. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
- ^ NFL.com Archived May 30, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Chris Long Profile on St. Louis Rams website Archived May 6, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Lawrence, Kan (December 18, 2007). "Talib Officially Named Consensus All-America By NCAA". KU Athletics. CBS College Sports Networks. Archived from the original on December 24, 2007. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
- ^ St. Louis Rams.com Archived May 6, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Long Wins Hendricks Award as Nation's Top DE". VirginiaSports. University of Virginia. December 5, 2007. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
- ^ "2007 Heisman Voting". Fantasy Sports Outlook. December 8, 2007. Archived from the original on June 22, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
- ^ "The day Chris Long gave a season of NFL checks to charity". October 26, 2017.
- ^ "Virginia Honors Tiki Barber and Chris Long by Retiring Jerseys". VirginiaSports. University of Virginia. November 25, 2007. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
- ^ Dagger (February 29, 2008). "2008 NFL Combine Results". postgameheroes.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
- ^ McDonald, Jerry (April 21, 2008). "Chris Long Q&A". Inside the Oakland Raiders. Northern California Network. Archived from the original on June 26, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
- ^ Coyle, Frank (February 25, 2008). "Long lives up to hype at Combine". Rivals.com. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
- ^ "Chris Long". NFLDraftScout.com. The Sports Xchange. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
- ^ "Dolphins, Rams take Jake, Chris Long; Falcons go with Ryan". ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 26, 2008. Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved April 26, 2008.
- ^ "Rams go Long, too, taking Virginia defensive end". ESPN.com. April 26, 2008. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
- ^ Owens, Bruce (June 14, 2008). "For NFL Rookies, The Real Father's Day Comes This September". The TMR Zoo. Archived from the original on March 8, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
- ^ Fallstrom, R. B. (April 26, 2008). "Rams go Long, too, taking Virginia defensive end Chris Long". Associated Press. Archived from the original on April 30, 2008.
- ^ Dillion, Dennis (April 26, 2008). "Rams make the right move in selecting Chris Long". Sporting News.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2008.
- ^ Wagoner, Nick (April 26, 2008). "Rams Go Long". St. Louis Rams.com. Archived from the original on May 1, 2008.
- ^ Clayton, John (July 21, 2008). "Rams first-round pick Long agrees to six-year deal". ESPN. Archived from the original on April 6, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2010.
- ^ "Signing status of 2008 NFL Draft first-round picks". NFL.com. August 28, 2008. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008.
- ^ Pro Football Weekly.com[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Nelson, Kathleen (December 29, 2012). "Fisher minimizes lack of Pro Bowl love for Rams". Retrieved December 30, 2012.
The alternates are Jackson, linebacker James Laurinaitis and defensive end Chris Long.
- ^ Van Bibber, Ryan. Turf Show Times Retrieved September 28, 2011.
- ^ Thomas, Jim. "Long makes short work of Rams' foes". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- ^ "CBS Sports Rapid Reports". CBS Sports. Retrieved December 29, 2011.
- ^ a b "Chris Long, St. Louis Rams reach four-year contract extension". NFL.com. July 29, 2012.
- ^ Pollock, Bill (December 29, 2011). "Three Rams named Pro Bowl alternates". Missouri Net.
- ^ Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, via Twitter, [1] Retrieved July 31, 2012.
- ^ "Looking at the Rams' Fearsome Front Four". Archived from the original on January 18, 2014. Retrieved August 3, 2013.
- ^ "Rapid Reaction: Seahawks 20, Rams 13". Retrieved December 31, 2012.
- ^ "Chippy Game Between Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams Draws $47,250 in Fines". Archived from the original on January 31, 2017. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
- ^ "Entering 6th season, DE Chris Long ready to lead St. Louis Rams". Fox News. Associated Press. July 31, 2013.
- ^ Grisak, Blaine (2016). "Rams' Chris Long Makes Pro Bowl As Alternate...Well Sorta". FanSided. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
Long was named a Pro Bowl alternate four consecutive seasons between 2010-2013
- ^ Sessler, Marc (September 10, 2014). "Chris Long expected to miss two months after surgery". NFL.com. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
- ^ Sessler, Marc (February 19, 2016). "Rams cut Chris Long, James Laurinaitis, Jared Cook". NFL.com. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
- ^ "Patriots sign DE Chris Long and LB Shea McClellin". New England Patriots. Archived from the original on January 31, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
- ^ Wesseling, Chris. "New England Patriots win Super Bowl LI". NFL. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
- ^ "NFL notebook: Chris Long leaving New England". March 1, 2017.
- ^ Smith, Alex (March 28, 2017). "DE Chris Long Added On Two-Year Deal". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Archived from the original on January 25, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
- ^ Sessler, Marc (March 28, 2017). "Philadelphia Eagles to pad D-line with Chris Long". NFL.com.
- ^ "Chris Long and LeGarrette Blount could make history in Super Bowl LII". January 23, 2018.
- ^ "Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl. Chris Long was voted to the 2018 Payto LII". NFL. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
- ^ Jones, Lindsay H. (February 5, 2018). "Super Bowl 2018: Eagles dethrone Tom Brady, Patriots in stunner". USA TODAY. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ "Chris Long named Walter Payton Man of the Year". NFL.com.
- ^ Maya, Adam (May 18, 2019). "Chris Long announces retirement after 11 seasons". NFL.com. Retrieved May 18, 2019.
- ^ "Chris Long Stats". ESPN. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
- ^ a b "Green Light with Chris Long". Spotify.
- ^ "The Chris Long Foundation".
- ^ "Waterboys Initiative". Archived from the original on June 2, 2015.
- ^ Mather, Victor (October 19, 2017). "Chris Long of the Philadelphia Eagles to Donate Entire Salary". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
- ^ "Pledge 10 for Tomorrow". PledgeIt.org.
- ^ Bouda, Nate (February 29, 2016). "Chris Long Has "More Than A Little Interest", Will Visit With Teams Later In Week". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
- ^ "Free Agent DE Chris Long Announces He's A Father With Adorable Photo". foxsports.com. March 4, 2016.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from Yahoo Sports
Chris Long
View on GrokipediaEarly 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
| Year | Class | Games | Solo Tackles | Ast. Tackles | Total Tackles | TFL | Sacks | Int. | PD | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | FR | 11 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 | SO | 11 | 12 | 11 | 23 | 4.5 | 2.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2006 | JR | 12 | 21 | 15 | 36 | 9.5 | 3.5 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 2007 | SR | 13 | 39 | 27 | 66 | 14.0 | 14.0 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Career | 47 | 77 | 57 | 134 | 29.0 | 20.5 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
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
| Year | Class | Games | Solo Tackles | Ast. Tackles | Total Tackles | TFL | Sacks | Int. | PD | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | SO | 12 | 22 | 24 | 46 | 8.0 | 1.5 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| 2006 | JR | 12 | 32 | 25 | 57 | 9.5 | 4.5 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2007 | SR | 13 | 36 | 43 | 79 | 19.0 | 14.0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Career | 37 | 90 | 92 | 182 | 36.5 | 20.0 | 1 | 8 | 3 |
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]| Year | Team | G | GS | Comb | Sk | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | STL | 16 | 16 | 40 | 4.0 | 1 |
| 2009 | STL | 16 | 4 | 43 | 5.0 | 1 |
| 2010 | STL | 16 | 16 | 29 | 8.5 | 3 |
| 2011 | STL | 16 | 16 | 37 | 13.0 | 1 |
| 2012 | STL | 16 | 16 | 33 | 11.5 | 0 |
| 2013 | STL | 16 | 16 | 40 | 8.5 | 1 |
| 2014 | STL | 6 | 6 | 5 | 1.0 | 0 |
| 2015 | STL | 12 | 5 | 19 | 3.0 | 1 |
| 2016 | NWE | 16 | 7 | 35 | 4.0 | 1 |
| 2017 | PHI | 16 | 1 | 28 | 5.0 | 4 |
| 2018 | PHI | 16 | 0 | 23 | 6.5 | 2 |
| Career | 3TM | 162 | 103 | 332 | 70.0 | 15 |