David Lamont Long Jr. Bio
David Lamont Long Jr. (born October 12, 1996) is an American professional football linebacker known for his defensive skills. He played college football at West Virginia University and was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Long has also played for the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions, earning multiple accolades including Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Early Life and Background
David Long Jr. was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. At seven years old, he survived a serious accident when he was hit by a car while riding on a bike with his older brother. He attended Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati, where he finished with 283 career tackles, six sacks, and six interceptions. During high school, he was teammates with Mike Edwards, who was later drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Long grew up in a large family as one of twelve children. His father, David Long Sr., was a professional heavyweight boxer who once fought future world champion Deontay Wilder. This athletic lineage influenced Long’s early exposure to competitive sports.
Path to American Football
Long’s football journey began in high school, where he developed his skills as a linebacker. His performance at Winton Woods High School earned him a place at West Virginia University, where he played from 2015 to 2018. At West Virginia, he redshirted his first year and then quickly became a key defensive player.
During his collegiate career, Long set a school record for tackles for loss in a game and earned recognition as a two-time Second-team All-American and two-time First-team All-Big 12 selection. His standout 2018 season culminated in being named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, which helped propel him toward the NFL.
David Lamont Long Jr. Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
David Long Jr. was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. In his rookie season, he contributed primarily as a backup linebacker and special teams player, finishing with 15 tackles. A highlight of his first year was forcing a fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs that led to a touchdown.
In 2020, Long saw increased playing time, appearing in 14 games and starting five. He recorded 54 tackles and a forced fumble despite a brief placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list. His development during these years laid the foundation for a starting role.
Tennessee Titans Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Long became a starting linebacker for the Titans in 2021, playing ten games and recording 75 tackles and two interceptions. Injuries limited his appearances, but he demonstrated solid defensive capabilities. In 2022, he continued as a starter, accumulating 86 tackles and two interceptions before a hamstring injury placed him on injured reserve late in the season.
Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions Era (2023–Present)
In March 2023, Long signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. He started all 17 games in the 2023 season, leading the team with a career-high 113 tackles. In 2024, he began as a starter but lost his starting role midseason and was released in November after recording 38 tackles.
Later in 2024, Long joined the Detroit Lions practice squad and was promoted to the active roster, playing five games with seven tackles and a fumble recovery. He was released in December 2024. Shortly after, the Tennessee Titans claimed him off waivers, but he was waived the next day following a failed physical.
Driving Style and Strengths
David Long Jr. is known for his aggressive tackling and ability to disrupt offensive plays. His strength lies in reading the opposing offense and making tackles behind the line of scrimmage. His versatility and football intelligence have made him a valuable asset on special teams and defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Long’s career highlights include being named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 and earning two Second-team All-American honors. His forced fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs in his rookie NFL season was a pivotal play. He has consistently contributed to his teams’ defensive efforts with key tackles and interceptions.
David Lamont Long Jr. Career Wins
While individual wins are not typically attributed to defensive players in football, David Long Jr. has been a significant contributor to his teams’ successes through tackles, interceptions, and forced turnovers. His consistent defensive performance has helped his teams in critical games throughout his career.
NFL Highlights
Long has accumulated 388 total tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles, 15 pass deflections, and 1 fumble recovery as of 2024. His career-best season was with the Miami Dolphins in 2023, where he led the team with 113 tackles. He has demonstrated steady growth from a backup role to a starting linebacker.
Other Performances
In college, Long set a school record for tackles for loss in a game and earned multiple All-Big 12 and All-American honors. His collegiate achievements laid the groundwork for his professional career in the NFL.
David Lamont Long Jr. Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
David Long Jr. is the son of David Long Sr. and Deon Long. His father was a professional heavyweight boxer with a record of 12 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws. This athletic background influenced Long’s competitive spirit and dedication to sports.
Personal Life
Long is one of twelve siblings. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available. He attended Winton Woods High School and later West Virginia University, focusing on his football career.
2025 Season Performance
As of early 2025, David Long Jr. is a free agent following his release from the Tennessee Titans after a failed physical. His recent seasons showed strong performances, especially with the Miami Dolphins in 2023. The outlook for 2025 depends on his health and opportunities to sign with an NFL team.
Long’s experience and proven defensive skills make him a potential candidate for teams seeking linebacker depth. His career trajectory suggests he could contribute effectively if he returns to full fitness and secures a roster spot.