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It was a quiet Saturday night in the NFL world until one of the game’s most respected players officially announced his retirement. Sadly, Chris Long will not be returning to the Philadelphia Eagles next season. His NFL career is over.
Long leaves the game as a figure beloved by his teammates, media types, and fans alike. The two-time Super Bowl champion wasn’t just a great football player; he also used his platform for positive change in the world. His Walter Payton Man of the Year award signifies as much.
An outpouring of appreciation for Long has already begun. The Eagles put out an official statement following the retirement announcement:
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 19, 2019
Congratulations to Chris Long on an incredible NFL career! pic.twitter.com/WsSd679ebD
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 19, 2019
Current and former teammates are weighing in as well:
You the best C-Long! Gonna miss you brotha. Congrats on a heck of a career. Great player, but even better teammate and person. Much love brotha! @JOEL9ONE https://t.co/Es5UeWWraz
— Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz) May 19, 2019
Dammit NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Gonna miss you bro. You were by far one the realest most sincere teammates I’ve ever had. Wish you nothing but success in your future endeavors. In the mean time this is me thinking about you retiring pic.twitter.com/9RYoDLBYWk
— Brandon Brooks (@bbrooks_79) May 19, 2019
Going to miss you in the locker room, around town, and on the field. Congrats on your retirement @JOEL9ONE! #bashbros #longjohnson #bff #flyeaglesfly pic.twitter.com/KACogqHt0X
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) May 19, 2019
Love you brother
— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) May 19, 2019
For even more Chris Long appreciation, look below to see the kind of impact he’s had on people. We’d all be so lucky to be remembered as fondly as Long will always be in Philly and elsewhere.
— BleedingGreenNation (@BleedingGreen) May 19, 2019
People often ask who my favorite player I ever scouted is and Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) is on the short list. Also the best Combine interview I’ve ever sat in on. Can’t wait to see the societal impact that Long and @DougBaldwinJr have on our country in the future. True leaders. https://t.co/BYO2wMdml6
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) May 19, 2019
We’re all so lucky as sports fans and humans to have had @JOEL9ONE in the league. He’ll be missed. https://t.co/OseCYSChHD
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 19, 2019
It seemed like Chris Long had been leaning toward retirement for a while now, but the #Eagles will miss him on the field and in the locker room.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) May 19, 2019
Good player, even better dude.
Chris Long memory: Last year, he made the Nick Foles shrine, which was funny enough on its own. But watching his satisfied, mischievous smile as a bunch of media members ate it up was even better.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) May 19, 2019
Chances are, he was your favorite player's favorite teammate.
The NFL doesn’t miss many players once they leave, but it will miss Chris Long. https://t.co/OSAmvbzrF2
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) May 19, 2019
We’ll always have this one, @JOEL9ONE pic.twitter.com/L8uCteNYAw
— Tyler Jackson (@TjackRH) May 19, 2019
My first game at the Linc was the playoff game against the Falcons. As we were making our way towards the exit, I looked up and saw those dog masks on the video board. Had no idea what that was about until I checked Twitter on the way to the car. It was incredible! pic.twitter.com/1yNrZ20tta
— Tyler Jackson (@TjackRH) May 19, 2019
Thank you for a lifetime’s worth of memories in less than a month pic.twitter.com/6lRrP7sxvC
— shamus (@shamus_clancy) May 19, 2019
One of the easiest guys to root for, Chris! Thank you for everything you’ve done for Philadelphia — I know the next stage will treat you even better than the last
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) May 19, 2019
Chris Long will be missed. No Eagle has ever made me more proud to root for him. Good luck @JOEL9ONE in whatever you decide to do next.
— James Seltzer (@JamesSeltzer) May 19, 2019
You’re a great dude, Chris. Thanks for all you’ve done.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) May 19, 2019
He was only on the team for two seasons but Chris Long will forever be one of my favourite Eagles. What a wonderful man pic.twitter.com/MdSIhHExCb
— Rohan Singh (@haan_singh91) May 19, 2019
Go Birds pic.twitter.com/zNOiF91RrT
— Rohan Singh (@haan_singh91) May 19, 2019
Go Birds pic.twitter.com/V99Hu2A5db
— Rohan Singh (@haan_singh91) May 19, 2019
Cheers to one of the best to ever do it... thanks for everything, @JOEL9ONE - best wishes on the next leg of your journey https://t.co/0vd9CtwFsk
— Roy Burton (@TheBSLine) May 19, 2019
Boss @JOEL9ONE pic.twitter.com/L2afVAzS4g
— Selecta Jerry (@Selectajerry) May 19, 2019
you can always throw me into a quarry. Eagles won SB52
— Treb (@treblaw) May 19, 2019
Thank you for everything. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/HMYbUjEfl2
— Stephen Lee (@Stephen_Lee20) May 19, 2019
you’re the man, Chris Long
— Kurt (@Kurt_BSH) May 19, 2019
Flags fly forever. Thanks for everything. https://t.co/OQJD7uGEGb
— Matt Carey (@RealMattCarey) May 19, 2019
I’m happy you played on my favorite team. If you didn’t, I may not have been exposed to all the good you do. I think your use of your platform is beyond reproach. I don’t know you but I’m proud of you. Congrats on the retirement.
— Kyle (@IgglesNest) May 19, 2019
Long live the legend himself: Chris Long.