The Green Bay Packers claimed cornerback David Long Jr. off waivers from the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 5.
Long (5-11, 196), a fifth-year player out of the University of Michigan, was originally selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He played four seasons for the Rams (2019-22) before joining the Las Vegas Raiders this past offseason. He played in eight games with one start for the Raiders this season before being released on Nov. 2.
Long was then claimed by Carolina, where he appeared in three contests with one start.
For his career, he has played in 63 regular-season games with 12 starts, recording 94 tackles (81 solo), an interception, eight passes defensed and two tackles on special teams.
Long appeared in six postseason contests with one start for the Rams (2020-21), posting 12 tackles (11 solo), a tackle for a loss and an interception returned for a touchdown.
So what’s this been like for you? It’s the ups and downs of the league I suppose, but what’s this last 48 hours been like for you?
It just comes with the territory of being in the league. You know, I was cut one day and then claimed and then you just get on the flight and get prepared to insert yourself into another system, culture and just do all you can to help the team win.
What’s the toughest thing about changing teams again?
Man, I think it’s tough, you know, because this is a business of people, and you get familiar with people. But, you know, just being yourself, packing a light bag so it’s easy to move around, and then just going out there and giving your best for your new teammates and new peers so that they have earned respect for you.
Do you know anyone?
I actually know a good amount of guys. I was with Robert Rochell in L.A. I went to school with Rashan Gary; we’re the same recruiting class, so I spent three years with him in Michigan. John Runyan, as well. I was with Matt, the long snapper, in L.A., as well, Super Bowl year. And I know Keisean Nixon; he’s from the L.A. area. I’m from Pasadena, but I played high school in Los Angeles.
I know you just got here, but I assume you know the defense at least fairly well, right? Because you spent four years with the Rams, and this is their defense.
Yeah, there’s some familiar calls and things like that. So that’s always easy when you go to a system or defense that you’re familiar with. So, just getting used to the terminology and things like that and their identity and mindset on the defense.
You mentioned packing a “light bag.” What did you bring? Couple changes of clothes?
Yeah, the biggest bag I pack probably is my football stuff: cleats, stuff to keep my body together.
And then clothes-wise, underwear, toiletries, you get that when you go and then you just kind of pack some warm clothes heading out here. And then everything else kind of sorts of stuff.
Reuniting with Gary?
It’s cool. I’ve spent a good deal of time with Rashan. We kind of grew up from boys to men at Michigan. And I’ve been a huge fan of his. Happy to see his success the last few years. So, to be here and be able to share the field with him is extremely cool for me, and we already have a connection in terms of just like understanding who I am, who he is. We’ve grown some being in the league but, at its core, I think I understand who he is and he understands who I am.
You were a top prospect that’s bounced around. Confidence?
Yeah, that’s a valid question. Sometimes, it’s not always me. I think I’m very self-aware. I understand things I need to work on, but the thing about this league is it’s not always black and white in terms of why things happen and why things don’t.
You see a lot of guys bounce around the league that have been productive or can be productive, and I think for me it’s just staying in the fight. I’m not coming into a situation where I feel like I need to be a CEO when the opportunity to make the team or to make the company is cleaning in the floors. I’m willing to do whatever I can or wear whatever hat. I don’t really allow my ego and my pride to get in the way.
I was a starter in the Super Bowl, and then I’ve been bouncing around this past year for the first time between teams. I was playing a little bit on defense and not playing. But, yeah, just leaving my pride and my ego out of it and just trying to do the best I can for the defense. I don’t really think too much about myself. My personal journey, that will take care of itself as long as I do what I need to do for the team.
Is Rasul Douglas a good example of what can happen with a fresh start?
I think every opportunity is a fresh start for me. I think this is a great place. They’re turning in the right direction. I’m happy to be here. And I’m just willing to take advantage of my opportunities, and we’ll see where it goes from here.
Where are you playing inside? Outside?
I’ve played everything, honestly. Super Bowl year, I was featured mainly in the slot, but I’ve bounced around outside, as well. This last year, I’ve been a lot playing corner, but I can do it all. Like I said, I understand my skillset; they understand it. So, whatever the team needs, I’m willing to do that. That’s kind of how I go about it.
Can you parachute in and be a contributor right away?
I feel like I have the upper hand being in a system that I’m somewhat familiar with, so I don’t see why you can’t. I feel like they put you in positions to go and play. It’s all about just going out there with a calm mind and making the plays. I played a lot of games in the NFL, and I understand what to expect. Just not making it too complicated for myself, dumbing it down and just going to play and do what I do.
What was your perception of the Packers?
I thought it was a historic franchise. I always loved coming to play here. You know, the atmosphere, Lambeau, the crowd, the cheeseheads, everything. I always loved playing here. The cold, the elements. Regardless, win, lose or draw, it’s a moment that you’ll always remember playing in this atmosphere.
Long reunites with Gary, others
