David Long Bio
David Long Jr., born on February 6, 1998, in Los Angeles, California, is an American professional football cornerback known by the nickname “the Hawk.” Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 196 pounds, Long carved out a reputation as a physical, instinctive defender during his college years at the University of Michigan. After being selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he has built a journeyman career across multiple franchises while contributing to a Super Bowl championship.
Over the course of his professional journey, Long has suited up for the Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Indianapolis Colts. He is best remembered for his role in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory in 2021, a defining moment in a career marked by perseverance and adaptability at the cornerback position.
Early Life and Background
David Long Jr. was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, growing up in nearby Pasadena, California. He attended Bishop Alemany High School for his freshman year before transferring to Loyola High School in Los Angeles for the remainder of his secondary education. His time at Loyola helped shape his development both academically and athletically, laying the groundwork for a college recruitment process that would attract attention from coast to coast.
Long was a standout student-athlete, carrying a 4.0 grade point average that later rose to 3.9 by graduation. In September 2015, he became the first player to receive his jersey for the 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, signaling his status as one of the most coveted defensive back prospects in his class. Although he initially committed to Stanford, Long decommitted in December 2015 and reopened his recruitment, eventually leaning toward Michigan.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh famously went to great lengths to secure Long’s commitment, flying with four assistant coaches and even climbing a tree during a recruiting visit in January 2016. Long officially committed to the Wolverines later that month, choosing Michigan over other major programs that had pursued him throughout the process.
Path to American Football
Long arrived at the University of Michigan in 2016, joining a storied football program with a tradition of producing NFL-caliber defensive backs. He was mentored by Jourdan Lewis, a former Michigan standout who had transitioned to the professional ranks, giving Long a clear blueprint for success at the cornerback position. His combination of size, intelligence, and coverage instincts quickly set him apart in the Wolverines’ secondary.
As a junior in 2018, Long delivered his most impressive collegiate season, earning first-team All-Big Ten Conference recognition from the coaches and third-team honors from the media. His strong play that year established him as a legitimate NFL prospect heading into the following spring. By the time the 2019 NFL Draft approached, Long had positioned himself as one of the top cornerback talents in his class, ultimately landing with the Los Angeles Rams in the third round.
David Long Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
David Long Jr. began his professional career with the Los Angeles Rams after being selected with the 79th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent his first two seasons developing within the Rams’ defensive system, learning the nuances of professional cornerback play while contributing on special teams and in rotational defensive packages. His time in Los Angeles allowed him to grow into a reliable depth piece behind established starters.
Although his statistical output during his first two seasons was modest, Long’s work ethic and football intelligence earned him a larger role heading into the 2021 campaign. The Rams’ investment in young defensive talent paid dividends, as Long would soon find himself on the sport’s biggest stage.
Los Angeles Rams Breakthrough (2021–2022)
The 2021 season proved to be the defining stretch of Long’s time in Los Angeles. As the Rams surged through the playoffs en route to Super Bowl LVI, Long emerged as a trusted contributor in the secondary. In the championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded four tackles in the Rams’ 23–20 victory, helping deliver Los Angeles its first Super Bowl title in more than two decades.
Long continued with the Rams through the 2022 season, providing veteran depth in the defensive backfield. However, following the conclusion of the 2022 campaign, his tenure in Los Angeles came to an end, opening the door to a new chapter in his career.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2023)
On March 22, 2023, David Long Jr. signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, seeking a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills. The move reunited him with a new defensive scheme and offered the promise of expanded responsibilities. Unfortunately, his time in Las Vegas proved short-lived, as the Raiders released him on November 2, 2023.
Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers (2023–2024)
One day after his release from the Raiders, Long was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers on November 3, 2023. His stay in Carolina was brief, however, as the Panthers released him on December 1, 2023. Just four days later, on December 5, the Green Bay Packers claimed him off waivers, giving Long another opportunity to compete.
Long remained with the Packers through the early portion of the 2024 offseason before being released on January 6, 2024. He was later signed to the Packers’ practice squad and elevated for a first-round playoff game, though he ultimately became a free agent when his practice squad contract expired.
New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts Era (2024–2025)
On May 1, 2024, Long signed with the New York Giants, looking to earn a roster spot during the offseason program. Despite his efforts, the Giants released him on August 27, 2024, just before the regular season began. He quickly caught on with the Indianapolis Colts, signing to their practice squad on September 2, 2024, before being elevated to the active roster on October 8.
Long remained with the Colts through the 2024 season and into 2025, though his tenure was disrupted by injuries. The Colts placed him on injured reserve on July 31, 2025, before releasing and re-signing him to the practice squad later that fall. Following his release on November 4, 2025, Long found a new opportunity when the Carolina Panthers signed him to their practice squad on November 26, 2025, marking his return to Charlotte for a second stint.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining milestone of David Long Jr.’s career remains his role in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory in February 2022, where his four tackles in the championship game helped Los Angeles secure a 23–20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. His selection in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft and his 2018 first-team All-Big Ten recognition also stand as signature achievements that shaped his professional trajectory.
David Long Career Wins
David Long Jr.’s professional résumé is highlighted by one championship and a series of personal accolades earned at the collegiate and professional levels. While he has not accumulated a high volume of interceptions or signature statistical seasons, his biggest win came on the sport’s grandest stage, contributing to a Super Bowl title with the Los Angeles Rams.
NFL Highlights
Long’s most memorable NFL moment came in Super Bowl LVI, where his four-tackle performance helped the Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his preparation and physicality, traits that have allowed him to remain in the league despite frequent roster movement.
Other Wins and Performances
At the collegiate level, Long earned first-team All-Big Ten Conference honors in 2018, cementing his status as one of the top defensive backs in the conference that season. His selection to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in 2016 served as an early indicator of the talent and dedication that would define his career.
David Long Family
Family Background and Education
David Long Jr. grew up in Pasadena, California, before pursuing his football career at Loyola High School in Los Angeles. He has been widely recognized for his academic excellence, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average that rose to 3.9 by the time he graduated from high school. Long continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he balanced rigorous academics with his responsibilities as a Division I football player.
Personal Life
Public details about David Long Jr.’s personal life remain limited. He has focused much of his public persona on his professional career, and verified information about his immediate family, marital status, or children has not been widely reported.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a turbulent year for David Long Jr., marked by injury setbacks and multiple roster moves. After spending the early part of the year with the Indianapolis Colts, he was placed on injured reserve on July 31, 2025, before being released and later re-signed to the Colts’ practice squad in October. The Colts released him on November 4, ending his second stint in Indianapolis.
Shortly after his release, Long found a new opportunity when the Carolina Panthers signed him to their practice squad on November 26, 2025. The move marked his return to a familiar organization, having previously spent time with the Panthers late in the 2023 season. His role in Carolina will likely focus on providing experienced depth in the secondary during the final stretch of the season.
Looking ahead, Long will need to prove his health and value to earn another opportunity at a full-time roster spot. His journeyman experience across multiple franchises, combined with his championship pedigree, makes him a reliable depth option for teams seeking veteran leadership in the secondary.