Hunter Long Bio
Hunter Long (born August 19, 1998) is an American professional football tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boston College Eagles and was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Long has played for multiple NFL franchises and earned All-American recognition during his college career.
Early Life and Background
Hunter Long was born on August 19, 1998, in Exeter, New Hampshire, USA. He grew up in Exeter and attended Exeter High School, where he first developed as a multi-sport football player. After completing high school, he spent a postgraduate year at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts, continuing to train and compete before college.
At Exeter High School, Long played both tight end and defensive end, showcasing his versatility on both sides of the ball. As a senior, he recorded 30 receptions for 508 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver, while also posting seven sacks as a pass rusher. Following his prep career, Long committed to Boston College to play college football at the NCAA Division I level.
Path to American Football
Long’s path to professional football began with his move to Boston College, where he joined a competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) program. He redshirted his first year on campus in 2017, allowing him to develop physically and learn the Eagles’ offensive system before competing. That patience laid the foundation for a steadily rising college career at the tight end position.
By his second season, Long had earned a role in the Boston College rotation, and his production grew each year as he became a reliable target in the passing game. His progression from a redshirt freshman to a starter reflected his work ethic and the trust of the coaching staff. His steady climb through the ACC prepared him for the next step toward the National Football League.
Hunter Long Career
College Career (2017–2020)
Long redshirted his first year at Boston College in 2017. In 2018, he appeared in 12 games and finished the season with four receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns, showing flashes of the playmaking ability that would later define his career. He continued to develop as a pass catcher and blocker throughout the program.
As a junior in 2019, Long recorded 28 receptions for 509 yards and two touchdowns, earning Third-team All-ACC recognition. In his senior season of 2020, he returned as the starting tight end and produced his most productive college year, hauling in 57 receptions for 685 yards and five touchdowns. That performance earned him First-team All-ACC honors and Second-team All-American recognition, cementing his status as an NFL prospect.
Miami Dolphins Era (2021–2022)
Long was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round (81st overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with Miami on July 26, 2021, beginning his professional career with the franchise that drafted him. Long joined a Dolphins team rebuilding its roster and looked to carve out a role in the offense and on special teams.
Over two seasons with the Dolphins, Long worked to establish himself as a depth tight end while contributing on special teams coverage units. Although his offensive role was limited, he continued to develop his blocking and route-running skills under the Dolphins’ coaching staff. His time in Miami ended when he was part of a high-profile trade package.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2023–2024)
On March 15, 2023, Long and a 2023 third-round draft pick were traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The move gave him a fresh opportunity with a new organization. His first season in Los Angeles was disrupted by injury, as he was placed on injured reserve on September 9, 2023, with a thigh injury before being activated on November 14.
Long continued his recovery and role with the Rams into the 2024 season. On December 8, 2024, he scored his first NFL touchdown on a 22-yard blocked punt return during the Rams’ 44–42 win over the Buffalo Bills, a memorable milestone in his professional career. The play highlighted his special teams value to the Rams.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Long signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking his next chapter in the NFL. The contract runs through the 2026 season and rewards his versatility as a tight end and special teams contributor. His signing gives the Jaguars additional depth at the tight end position and on multiple special teams units.
Long joined a Jacksonville team looking to build depth across its roster ahead of the new league year. His experience in two previous NFL stops has prepared him to compete for an expanded role within the Jaguars’ offense. He entered the 2025 season focused on building on his first career touchdown and contributing to Jacksonville’s campaign.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a tight end, Long has built his professional profile on versatility, contributing as both a blocker in the run game and a receiver in the passing game. His college production at Boston College demonstrated reliable hands and the ability to gain yards after the catch. In the NFL, his value has grown through special teams contributions, including scoring on a blocked punt return, showing his awareness and effort in the kicking game.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Long’s career came on December 8, 2024, when he scored his first NFL touchdown on a 22-yard blocked punt return against the Buffalo Bills. Earlier, being drafted 81st overall in the 2021 NFL Draft represented the culmination of his college development. Being part of the trade that brought Jalen Ramsey to the Dolphins in 2023 also stands as a notable transaction in his early career arc.
Hunter Long Career Wins
Hunter Long has notched key milestones across his football journey, from his college honors at Boston College to his first NFL touchdown in 2024. His professional career has been defined more by development and special teams impact than by headline win totals. Below is a look at his verified highlights across the major stops of his career.
College Highlights
Long earned Third-team All-ACC honors in 2019 after a 28-reception, 509-yard season with two touchdowns. In 2020, he elevated his game with 57 receptions for 685 yards and five touchdowns, which brought First-team All-ACC and Second-team All-American recognition. Those awards remain the cornerstone achievements of his football resume heading into his professional career.
NFL Highlights
Long’s most memorable NFL moment came on December 8, 2024, when he scored his first career touchdown on a 22-yard blocked punt return during the Rams’ 44–42 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Across his time with the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, and Jacksonville Jaguars, he has continued to develop as a depth tight end and special teams contributor. His first NFL score stands as the signature highlight of his pro career to date.
Hunter Long Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available information about Hunter Long’s parents and extended family is limited. He grew up in Exeter, New Hampshire, and pursued football from his high school years onward. Further details about his family background have not been widely reported.
Personal Life
Long’s personal life, including marital status and children, has not been publicly detailed in available sources. He has focused much of his public profile on his football career, progressing from Boston College to multiple NFL franchises. Any further personal details beyond his professional trajectory are not confirmed in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
Hunter Long entered the 2025 NFL season as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars after signing a two-year, $3 million contract on March 12, 2025. He joined a Jacksonville team looking to build depth at tight end and across its special teams units. His experience with the Dolphins and Rams, including playing through injury and producing on special teams, positioned him as a reliable veteran addition.
Long’s primary focus in 2025 is to expand his role within the Jaguars’ offense while continuing to contribute on special teams, an area where he recorded his first NFL touchdown in late 2024. His blocking, route-running, and willingness to play through contact make him a versatile option for the coaching staff. As the season unfolds, his production as a receiver and his impact in the kicking game will be key storylines to watch.
Looking ahead, Long’s two-year deal runs through the 2026 season, giving him an opportunity to establish himself as a long-term piece of Jacksonville’s roster. His progression from a third-round pick in 2021 to a multi-team veteran reflects steady development. The 2025 campaign represents his chance to translate that growth into a more consistent on-field presence for the Jaguars.