CHRIS LONG:
A CARING GIANT
OF THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
BY W ILLIAM M.
Most people think
of football players
as strong, cold, and
tough men, but this
is not always the
case off the field.
Many NFL players are caring individuals
who try to lead and help their
communities. One such player is Chris
Long, a Charlottesville, Virginia, favorite.
Long grew up in Charlottesville and
played football for the University of
Virginia. He was drafted in the first round
of the 2008 NFL draft by the St. Louis
Rams. He has been in the NFL for 10
years.
I had the privilege of interviewing Long
after he returned from Philadelphia
where he participated in a parade that
celebrated the Eagles? first Super Bowl
Championship. Long played defensive
end for back-to-back Super Bowl
champions for the Patriots and the
Eagles respectively.
When asked about his experience at UVA,
Long said, ?It was very special.? He said
that family is the most important thing to
him, and they watched all his home
games. At UVA, he learned that student
athletes should try to become
well-rounded by concentrating on their
studies and by helping their
communities.
Regarding his recent Super Bowl
experiences, he said that it was very
special. Long experienced 1-15 and 2-14
seasons at the St. Louis Rams. However,
he persevered and got on with the New
England Patriots. Even though he enjoyed
winning the 2017 Super Bowl with the
Patriots, he decided to move to the
Philadelphia Eagles. He said, ?it was
amazing because in Philadelphia?s sixty
years of existence, they have never won a
Super Bowl.?
Long has been talked about in the media
for the good things he has done in
Charlottesville, St. Louis, Philadelphia,
and Boston. Long donated his 2017
salary to ?The Pledge 10 for Tomorrow
Campaign,? a charity that gives students
opportunities for education. Long was
impressed with his fans for raising
millions of dollars and uniting for a
worthy cause. (continued on pg. 22)
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