Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 16, 2026

Ken Long

Kenneth Donald Long was an American professional football player. He played guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL) after playing college football at Purdue University. He was drafted by the Lions with the 44th pick of the second round of the 1976 NFL draft. He did not sign a contract with the Lions until shortly before the 1976 preseason. He played 13 games for the Lions in 1976 and returned two kickoffs for 18 yards. He was placed on the injured reserve list before the 1977 season. Long died on December 7, 2023, at the age of 70.

Last revised
Jun 16, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
210 w
Citations
6
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Ken Long
No. 65
PositionGuard
Personal information
Born(1953-07-24)July 24, 1953
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedDecember 7, 2023(2023-12-07) (aged 70)
Listed height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight265 lb (120 kg)
Career information
High schoolRavenna (OH)
CollegePurdue
NFL draft1976: 2nd round, 44th overall pick
Career history
Awards and highlights
Career NFL statistics
Games played13
Games started0
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Kenneth Donald Long (July 24, 1953 – December 7, 2023) was an American professional football player. He played guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL) after playing college football at Purdue University.1 He was drafted by the Lions with the 44th pick of the second round of the 1976 NFL draft.1 He did not sign a contract with the Lions until shortly before the 1976 preseason.2 He played 13 games for the Lions in 1976 and returned two kickoffs for 18 yards.1 He was placed on the injured reserve list before the 1977 season.3 Long died on December 7, 2023, at the age of 70.4

References

References

  1. "Ken Long". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  2. "Lions Finally Sign Long". The Argus-Press. July 27, 1976. p. 15. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  3. "Lions Cut 3, Including Walton". The Argus-Press. September 13, 1977. p. 15. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  4. Obituary of Kenneth Donald Long, sscfuneralhomes.com