David Long Bio
David Long Jr. (born February 6, 1998) is an American professional football cornerback widely known by the nickname “the Hawk.” Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 196 pounds, he has built a reputation as a reliable defensive back since entering the league. Long is best recognized for his time with the Los Angeles Rams, where he contributed to the franchise’s championship run in 2021.
Long played college football at the University of Michigan, where his strong coverage skills earned him All-Big Ten Conference honors as a junior. After declaring for the 2019 NFL draft, he was chosen in the third round by the Rams and quickly developed into a dependable contributor on defense. Throughout his professional career, he has also spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Indianapolis Colts.
Early Life and Background
David Long Jr. was born on February 6, 1998, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in nearby Pasadena. From an early age, he gravitated toward football, sharpening his skills in one of the most competitive recruiting regions in the country. His path through high school included a brief stop at Bishop Alemany High School before he transferred to Loyola High School in Los Angeles for the remainder of his prep career.
At Loyola, Long emerged as one of the top cornerback prospects in the nation. A standout in the classroom as well, he carried a 4.0 grade point average and became the first player to receive his jersey for the 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. His academic discipline translated into a focused, detail-oriented approach to football that would later define his professional career.
Long’s recruitment drew national attention, with scholarship offers from major programs including USC, UCLA, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon, Stanford, and Oklahoma. After initially committing to Stanford, he later reopened his recruitment and ultimately chose the University of Michigan. The Wolverines, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, secured his commitment in January 2016 after an aggressive and creative recruiting effort.
Path to Professional Football
Long arrived at Michigan ready to learn, and he quickly fell under the mentorship of veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis. The guidance helped him adapt to the speed and complexity of Big Ten competition. He worked his way into the Wolverines’ defensive rotation as an underclassman, gradually earning more responsibility in coverage packages.
As a junior in 2018, Long produced the best season of his college career. He was named first-team All-Big Ten by the conference’s coaches and third-team All-Big Ten by the media. His performance that year cemented his status as one of the top defensive backs available in the 2019 NFL draft, leading him to forgo his senior season and declare for the pros.
Long’s draft stock placed him among the most polished cover corners in his class. The Los Angeles Rams, seeking depth and talent in their secondary, selected him in the third round with the 79th overall pick. His transition from college standout to professional defender was supported by the foundation he had built during his formative years in Michigan’s defensive system.
David Long Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
David Long Jr. began his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams after being selected in the third round of the 2019 draft. He joined a defensive backfield that already featured established veterans, giving him time to refine his technique and adjust to the speed of professional football. His early years were marked by steady development as he learned the nuances of the Rams’ defensive scheme.
Long appeared in regular-season games during his first two seasons, contributing on special teams and in nickel packages. While his role grew gradually, his preparation and work ethic earned him the trust of the coaching staff. By the time the 2021 postseason arrived, he was ready to play a meaningful part in the Rams’ title pursuit.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2019–2022)
Long’s most defining moment with the Rams came during the 2021 playoff run. In Super Bowl LVI, he recorded four tackles in the Rams’ 23–20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, helping Los Angeles capture the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship. The performance stood as a highlight of his time in a Rams uniform.
Following the championship, Long continued to contribute in the Rams’ secondary through the 2022 season. He served primarily as a depth cornerback and special teams player, providing veteran poise in the defensive backfield. His tenure with the Rams concluded at the end of the 2022 campaign, and he entered free agency the following spring.
Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers (2023)
On March 22, 2023, Long signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, beginning a busy stretch that saw him move between multiple franchises in a single calendar year. He was released by the Raiders on November 2, 2023, after appearing in the early portion of the season. Days later, on November 3, he was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers, though his time in Carolina was brief, as the team released him on December 1.
Green Bay Packers (2023–2024)
On December 5, 2023, Long was claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers, where he remained through the end of the regular season. Although released on January 6, 2024, he rejoined the Packers on their practice squad on January 12. He was elevated for the first round of the 2023–24 NFL playoffs, providing depth in the secondary during Green Bay’s postseason push.
New York Giants (2024)
On May 1, 2024, Long signed with the New York Giants in search of a fresh opportunity. He competed for a roster spot through the spring and summer, but the Giants released him on August 27. The short stint in New York reflected the volatile nature of his journeyman phase in the league.
Indianapolis Colts (2024–2025)
Long signed with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad on September 2, 2024, and was promoted to the active roster on October 8. He contributed as a depth cornerback for the Colts through the remainder of that season. On July 31, 2025, the Colts placed him on injured reserve, and after his release on August 3, he was re-signed to the practice squad on October 20. The Colts released him again on November 4, 2025, ending his second stint in Indianapolis.
Carolina Panthers Second Stint (2025)
On November 26, 2025, the Carolina Panthers signed Long to their practice squad, marking his return to the franchise. The move provided him an opportunity to compete for a roster role late in the 2025 season. His return to Carolina underscored the league’s continued confidence in his experience and preparation.
Notable Events and Milestones
Long’s signature moment remains his four-tackle performance in Super Bowl LVI, which helped deliver the Rams a championship over the Cincinnati Bengals. That victory stands as the defining milestone of his career, and his journeyman years since then reflect the resilience required to remain active across multiple NFL rosters. He has also earned recognition as a 2018 first-team All-Big Ten selection during his final college season.
David Long Family
Personal Life
David Long Jr. is widely known by the nickname “the Hawk,” a moniker that reflects his sharp instincts and aggressive play on the field. Public details about his personal life remain limited, and he has generally kept his family matters out of the spotlight. His disciplined approach to the game has been a defining trait throughout his career.
2025 Season Performance
David Long Jr.’s 2025 campaign has reflected the journeyman nature of his current career phase. He began the year with the Indianapolis Colts, where a stint on injured reserve in late July limited his early-season availability. After his release, the Colts brought him back to the practice squad in October before parting ways again in early November.
Shortly after his second departure from Indianapolis, the Carolina Panthers signed Long to their practice squad on November 26, 2025, giving him another opportunity to compete at the professional level. The familiar organization provided a fresh chance to contribute late in the season, and his experience in multiple defensive systems remained an asset.
As the 2025 season progressed, Long continued to demonstrate the work ethic that has defined his professional journey. While his statistical impact has been limited compared to his Super Bowl-winning campaign, his presence in the secondary and on special teams has provided valuable depth. His path through the season illustrates the perseverance required to maintain a career across the modern NFL.