Chris Long - Early Years

Early Years

Long was born in Santa Monica, California. He attended St. Anne's-Belfield School in Charlottesville, Virginia. As a senior in 2003 he was in on 91 tackles, 23 tackles for a loss, and 15 sacks helping his team to an undefeated record and the state private-school championship. “He was a big gangly kid who had yet to grow into his body,” said John Blake, the St. Anne’s-Belfield coach. “But he jumped in with both feet. When he played tackle, he would drive kids 10 or 15 yards down the field, like he was steering a car.”

Long had the rare distinction of having his jersey retired at St. Anne's-Belfield School. He was given a 4-star ranking for college recruiting from Rivals.com, a service that rated him the sixth-best defensive end in the prep ranks. He played in the 2004 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Long also played basketball, lacrosse, and baseball in high school. In addition to being Howie Long's son, he is also the great-nephew of deceased director Irvin Kershner.