Chris Long Announces NFL Retirement

By Jerry Ratcliffe

The illustrious football career of Charlottesville’s Chris Long has come to an end.

Long, who starred at St. Anne’s-Belfield, the University of Virginia and for three NFL teams — the St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles — made the announcement on his Twitter account late Saturday night.

“Cheers. Been a hell of a journey. Eleven years and I can honestly say I put my soul into every minute of it. Highs and lows. I’ve seen them both and I appreciate the perspective. Gratitude and love to those who lifted me up,” Long tweeted, accompanied by a photo of him raising a cup to the sunset.

Cheers. Been a hell of a journey. Eleven years and I can honestly say I put my soul into every minute of it. Highs and lows. I’ve seen them both and I appreciate the perspective. Gratitude and love to those who lifted me up. pic.twitter.com/Ap8zi73Ifl

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) May 19, 2019

Long, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long and wife Diane, and the brother of Chicago Bears lineman Kyle Long and Oakland Raiders club official Howie, Jr., has long been a favorite son of Charlottesville. He was a standout who blossomed late in his career at St. Anne’s, and became an All-American defensive end at UVA under former coach Al Groh.

Long spent most of his 11-year pro career with the Rams, but finished his career by winning Super Bowls with the Patriots and Eagles. Concluding this past and final season with Philadelphia, Long was named the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year, which goes to players that have made an outstanding contribution to society.

He gained immeasurable popularity for essentially playing for free, by contributing his 2018 salary to fund educational needs in various communities. Long also formed an organization, “Water Boys,” which drills wells in Africa to aid water-deprived communities. Long’s efforts have been enhanced by gaining the support of two former UVA basketball players now in the NBA, Malcolm Brogdon and Joe Harris. Brogdon was given $45,000 this week by former NBA star and present TNT host Charles Barkley.

Shortly after Long’s announcement became widespread, the Philadelphia Eagles issued this statement:

“When you look at everything Chris Long accomplished as a player and person, it’s easy to see how fortunate we’ve been to have him on our team. Chris was everything that we thought he was and even more — not only as a great player for our football team, but also in the community.

“There aren’t many players who can say they won back-to-back Super Bowls and the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award. He accomplished both with class and grace. There’s no question that his work ethic combined with his unique talent made him into one of the greatest of this era’s professional athletes. We’re very thankful Chris chose to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, and congratulate him on a fantastic career. He will always be part of the Eagles family.”

While the news broke late in the evening, at least a couple of former UVA football players, who went on to NFL fame, sent congratulations.

“Nothing but respect to the man who did it the right way on and off the field. #GOAT,” said former Wahoo and New York Giant Clint Sintim, who played with Long at Virginia.

“Thank you for simply being an idol,” tweeted former UVA lineman Eric Smith, who has been in the league with the Jets and Dolphins.

“Congratulations on a great career, brother!! Now on to the next thing … #wahoowa,” wrote former UVA and New York Giant record-holding running back Tiki Barber.

“Congratulations brother, hell of a run! Enjoy every second of retirement and whatever else may come on the next phase of your journey. It is very well deserved!” tweeted Houston Texan star JJ Watt.

“A guy loved in both Boston and Philly? Rare indeed,” tweeted Washington Redskins GM Bruce Allen.

Long’s announcement was trending on Twitter with at least 59,000 reading his statement, and nearly 5,000 sending acknowledgment of his good deeds and solid play.