Long's Debut With The Rams

The week prior to Long's debut in his first NFL game he said,"I'm pretty even-keeled. I'll be excited when it's time to be excited, but right now it's just time to work and study my stuff and relax and rest up." Coach Scott Linehan said that the week before the game against the Eagles was Long's best week of practice yet. He was very focused and determined in every drill and even every meeting.

On September 7, 2008 Chris Long played in his first NFL game ever with the St. Louis Rams. The Rams began the season against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philly. Chris Long was dressed wearing number 72 and he started as right defensive end. Long was fired up and kept that intensity throughout the game.

Long had his first tackle in the NFL in the first quarter with eight minutes and thirteen seconds left. Long's tackle held the Eagles' running back, Bryan Westbrook, to a three yard gain. Long had another tackle later in the game and was very close to sacking McNabb twice. He also put good pressure on the offense after every single snap.

Long was slightly outmatched by the eagles' left tackle, Tra Thomas. Thomas is a three time pro bowl selection and has a very good amount of experience behind him. He is also four inches taller and seventy two pounds heavier than Chris Long.

Even though the outcome wasn't quite what Long and the other Rams had hoped for, Long was happy he had the opportunity to Learn from Thomas. Long told the Philadelphia Daily News, "I knew Thomas was a great player. I might have gotten him a couple of times, but he got me a lot. It’s good to know that’s as good a guy as you’re going to see.”

Drafted By Rams

In the 2008 NFL draft, Chris Long was drafted by the St. Louis Rams. Long's performance at the NFL scouting led for him to be the second overall draft pick.

At the combine Long was measure at 6'3" and 272 pounds. Long's 40 yard time was 4.75, his 20 yeard time was 2.71, and his 10 yard time was 1.53. Long was unable to bench press at the combine due to an injury involving his thumb.

When Long was selected to the Rams, it made him the second son of a hall of famer to be drafted in the first round. The first was Kevin Winslow.

Long has always worked hard for his success, and he proved his mentality to many people after he was drafted by the Rams and head coach Scott Lineham named Long a starter on Defense. Long was unable to accept the offer and stated that he needed to continue working hard for that starting position. Head Coach of St. Louis, Scott Lineham, said that Long will most likely play both defensive lineman and as a linebacker.

Scott Lineham always comments on how versatile of a player Long is and Long explains that that is his best asset he can bring to the grid iron.

Long agreed to a six year, $56.5 million contract with the St. Louis Rams and a garentee of $29 million on July 19, 2008.

Long has started off strong and had his first sack in the NFL against the New York Giants.

Long's Jersey Retired

Through Long's time at The University of Virginia he was extremely successful. He had many accomplishments in his four year, which led to the retirement of his jersey before his game against Virginia Tech senior year.

After having a rough time freshman year, fighting an illness, Long was ready to go when he arrived on campus sophomore year. His hard work in the spring payed off when Long began starting for the Cavaliers. His continued tenacity and determination contributed to the fact that he started every game. Long said that he, "got better by being matched up against All-American D’Brickashaw Ferguson during training camp and practice." Long was the second on his team in tackling with an average of 3.8 per game. He led the team in quarterback hurries with the high number of 25. In Long's first game that he started, he made seven tackles against Western Michigan. No Virginia Defensive lineman has had over seven tackles in a first start since 1987.

Long's success continued to grow during his Junior year. He was second team all ACC and led his team as a captain. Even though Long was double teamed on every play, he was still fourth on the team with 57 tackles. Long was the fourth defensive lineman in the ACC with 4.8 tackles per game. Long had 5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 21 quarterback pressures. With Long's help, the Cavaliers finished 17th nationally for overall defense. At the end of the year awards ceremony long received three awards, the Ned McDonald Award as UVA’s top defensive player, the Colonel F.C. McCue Award as team’s outstanding interior lineman and the Joe Palumbo Award honoring UVA player for self-sacrifice, dedication and enthusiasm. Virginia Sports Information Directors and the Roanoke Times ranked Long as first team all state.

Long ended his football career with UVA by being selected ACC defensive player of the year. He was also first team all ACC, and third on his team for tackling. He lettered all four years at Virginia. He was team Captain his senior year for a second year in a row.

Prior to Long's final home game at Scott Stadium against Virginia Tech his jersey was retired. This made Long the first player to ever have their jersey retired while still actively playing.

Joining the Cavaliers

In 2004, Chris Long signed to play football with the Virginia Cavaliers. It was a fairly easy decision for Long since Virginia has a great reputation achedemically and he lived right accross the street. Although many people think that having a father like Howie Long is a great thing it also comes with it's disadvantages. For example, throughout Long's childhood people were constantly questioning his ability and his work ethic, but as time has proved he is truly a very hard worker and a great player.

One example of this is when Long emailed another recruit for the Cavaliers, Clint Sintim, after he had signed to introduce himself. As time passed he never received a response. Clint Sintim said that he wasn't a big fan of Chris Long and that he thought, "he was just another rich kid with a famous dad."

After Chirs Long and Clint Sintim arrived to Charlottesville it wasn't before long that Sintim realized that he's ideas about Long were completely wrong. Many football players get fired up about hardships that they have fought through in their lives, but for Long it was to prove that he wasn't just riding on his father's coattail. Whenever Long hears someone say that he is soft, it makes him that much more pumped up to prove them wrong in the next game.

There are also many football players out there that aren't known and they have to have the determination to make a name for themselves. For Long he needs to prove to people that he really does have what it takes. Long has the mentality that you can never have practiced enough.

As a freshman, Chris Long was said to be a, "promising lineman who provided valuable depth along the defensive line." In 2004 he played in six games. He started off the season with limited playing time in the first three games and then had to sit out for the next five due to an illness. After he returned he was part of five tackles and one sack.