Hunter Long Bio
Hunter Long is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 19, 1998, in Exeter, New Hampshire, Long has established himself as a reliable receiving threat at the tight end position throughout his professional career. He played college football for the Boston College Eagles where he developed into one of the top tight ends in college football. The Miami Dolphins selected Long in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 81st overall pick. After playing two seasons with the Dolphins and parts of two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2025.
Early Life and Background
Hunter Long grew up in Exeter, New Hampshire, where he attended Exeter High School. During his high school career, Long played both tight end and defensive end, showcasing his versatility on the football field. As a senior at Exeter High School, he recorded 30 receptions for 508 yards with two touchdowns while also contributing seven sacks on the defensive side of the ball. His standout high school performance earned him recognition as a talented two-way player with significant potential at the collegiate level.
After graduating from Exeter High School, Long decided to further his academic and athletic career by completing a postgraduate year at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. This additional year of development helped prepare him for the academic and athletic rigors of college football at the Division I level. His impressive high school career and postgrad performance at Deerfield Academy attracted attention from several major college programs.
Path to Professional Football
Long committed to Boston College to continue his football career, joining the Eagles program in 2017. He redshirted his true freshman season in 2017, using that year to adjust to the college game and develop his skills. The following season, Long appeared in 12 games and made an immediate impact with four receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating his potential as a pass-catcher at the collegiate level.
His breakout campaign came in 2019 when Long established himself as a reliable receiving option, recording 28 receptions for 509 yards and two touchdowns. He returned as Boston College’s starting tight end for the 2020 season, which became his most productive college year. During his senior season, Long caught 57 passes for 685 yards and five touchdowns, earning recognition as a standout performer in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Hunter Long Career
Miami Dolphins (2021–2022)
The Miami Dolphins selected Hunter Long in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 81st overall pick, recognizing his potential as a modern tight end who could contribute both as a receiver and in-line blocker. Long signed his four-year rookie contract with Miami on July 26, 2021, officially beginning his professional football career. During his rookie season, he worked to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses while contributing on special teams and as a rotational player at tight end.
Long’s second season with the Dolphins in 2022 saw him continue his development as he sought to earn a more prominent role in the offense. The experience gained during these two seasons provided him with valuable NFL-level experience that would serve him well in his subsequent career moves.
Los Angeles Rams (2023–2024)
On March 15, 2023, Long’s career took a significant turn when the Miami Dolphins traded him to the Los Angeles Rams. The trade involved Long and a 2023 third-round draft pick (previously acquired from the New England Patriots) going to the Rams in exchange for star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. This trade signaled that the Rams saw value in Long as a tight end prospect who could contribute to their offense.
Unfortunately, Long’s 2023 season was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on September 9, 2023, due to a thigh injury. He was activated from injured reserve on November 14, 2023, returning to the field for the final stretch of the season. The 2024 season proved to be a memorable one for Long, as he scored his first NFL touchdown on December 8, 2024, during a dramatic 44–42 win over the Buffalo Bills. His touchdown came on a 22-yard blocked punt return, showcasing his versatility and ability to make plays in unexpected situations.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2025–Present)
Following his time with the Rams, Long signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 12, 2025. He agreed to a two-year contract worth $3 million, joining a Jaguars team looking to bolster their tight end position. This move represented a new chapter in Long’s career as he joined his third NFL franchise and sought to establish himself as a consistent contributor in the Jaguars’ offense.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hunter Long stands at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) and weighs 243 pounds (110 kg), giving him the size to be an effective inline blocker while also possessing the speed and route-running ability to create mismatches against smaller defensive backs. His background at Boston College developed him into a reliable receiver who excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage and making contested catches in traffic. His collegiate production and All-ACC selections demonstrate his ability to be a featured receiving option at the tight end position.
Hunter Long Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Hunter Long has appeared in multiple games across three franchises, contributing as both a receiver and special teams performer. His career statistics reflect his role as a rotational tight end who has been called upon in various situations.
College Career Highlights
Long finished his Boston College career as one of the most productive tight ends in school history. Over his four seasons with the Eagles, he accumulated 89 receptions for 1,297 yards and nine touchdowns. His 2020 senior season was particularly impressive, as he earned Second-team All-American honors and First-team All-ACC recognition after catching 57 passes for 685 yards and five touchdowns. The 2019 season saw him earn Third-team All-ACC honors with 28 receptions for 509 yards and two touchdowns.
NFL Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Long has recorded 20 receptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns in his NFL career. His first NFL touchdown came via special teams on a blocked punt return, an unusual but memorable way to get his first professional score. His receiving statistics reflect his role as a depth tight end who contributes in multiple phases of the game.
| Competition Level | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 20 | 153 | 2 |
| College (Boston College) | 89 | 1,297 | 9 |
Hunter Long Personal Life
Background and Education
Hunter Long’s football journey began in Exeter, New Hampshire, where he developed his skills at Exeter High School before attending Deerfield Academy for his postgraduate year. This educational background at competitive preparatory schools helped prepare him for the academic and athletic demands of playing at Boston College, a member of the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference.
2025 Season Performance
Hunter Long enters the 2025 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars following his March signing. The two-year contract he signed demonstrates the Jaguars’ belief in his ability to contribute to their offensive plans. Long will look to carve out a significant role in the Jaguars’ offense, potentially benefiting from the increased opportunities that come with a new team and fresh start.
Having scored his first NFL touchdown in 2024, Long carries momentum into the 2025 season with renewed confidence. The Jaguars’ coaching staff will look to utilize his size and receiving ability as they build their offensive attack. His experience playing for three different NFL teams has given him a broad understanding of different offensive systems and playbook concepts, which should help him adapt quickly to Jacksonville’s scheme.