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.