Deon Long: The Rise, Fall, and Legacy of an Undrafted NFL Star
A Deep Dive into the Career, Personal Life, and Challenges of Deon Long
Introduction
Deon Long’s journey in professional football is a story marked by immense talent, turbulent struggles, and a continuous quest for redemption. Despite his promising start, his path to success in the NFL was never smooth, defined by several highs and lows. Known for his skill as a wide receiver, Long’s rise to fame in college football was followed by his brief time in the NFL, where his potential was overshadowed by off-field controversies and legal battles. This article takes a closer look at the life of Deon Long, his early years, his career, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Upbringing
Deon Moses Long was born on June 14, 1991, in Washington, D.C. Raised in a city known for its competitive sports scene, Long showed an early aptitude for athletics, particularly in football and track. Growing up in a community that valued physical achievement, he excelled in both areas, and his high school career set the stage for what seemed like a promising future in sports.
High School and College Years
Long attended Dunbar High School in Washington, where he quickly established himself as one of the top football prospects in the country. His athleticism was undeniable, earning him recognition as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com. His performance on the track, where he posted a 10.83-second 100-meter time, further demonstrated his speed and agility.
After high school, Long’s journey took him through various college stops, including West Virginia, New Mexico, and Iowa Western Community College. His time at Iowa Western was particularly noteworthy, as he led the NJCAA with 100 receptions, 1,625 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns. It was here that he earned first-team All-America honors and caught the attention of scouts.
Eventually, Long transferred to the University of Maryland, where he continued to showcase his abilities. Despite facing setbacks, including a season-ending injury during his junior year, Long’s perseverance kept him in the game. In his senior year, he recorded 51 receptions and 575 yards, solidifying his status as one of the top wide receivers in college football.
Career Overview
NFL Journey and Struggles
Deon Long’s entry into the NFL was far from conventional. Although he had the talent, Long went undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. However, his journey was far from over. He signed as a free agent with the Tennessee Titans but did not make the final roster. From there, he moved to the Miami Dolphins, where he joined the practice squad briefly before being released.
Long’s most notable stint came with the St. Louis (later Los Angeles) Rams, where he joined the practice squad in December 2015. His time with the Rams was marred by an off-field incident, which ultimately led to his release in 2016. During training camp, Long violated team rules by bringing a woman into his dorm, which was featured on the reality show Hard Knocks. This behavior brought unwanted attention to Long and further derailed his career.
Brief Tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles
In 2016, Long signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, but his time with the team was short-lived. After signing twice with the Eagles, he was released both times. His brief time with the Eagles was marked by similar issues as before, including inconsistency in his performance and challenges in making the final roster. Despite his skills, Long’s off-field controversies were a recurring theme throughout his career, preventing him from solidifying a long-term position in the NFL.
CFL Stint with BC Lions
After his NFL journey, Long briefly joined the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2016. However, his time in the CFL was not well-documented, and he was released shortly after re-signing with the team. It was clear that Long’s professional career was hampered by both on-field and off-field issues that prevented him from reaching the level of success he had once hoped for.
Personal Life and Legacy
Family and Personal Life
Deon Long’s personal life has been equally tumultuous. He married Karen Derrico, and together they have 14 children. The couple gained public attention through their appearances on the TLC reality series Doubling Down with the Derricos, which chronicled their life with multiples. Despite their public image, their relationship faced challenges, and in 2024, Deon and Karen finalized their divorce. They were awarded joint custody of their children, and Deon is required to pay child support.
Throughout his personal struggles, Long’s role as a father remained central to his life. Even though his marriage ended, he maintained a commitment to co-parenting his children and providing them with a stable environment.
Legal Troubles
In 2017, Long was implicated in an armed robbery case. He was reported to have pointed a gun at a man during a Craigslist transaction, an incident that further tarnished his reputation. Though the details of the case were murky, it added another layer of controversy to his already challenging career.
Deon Long’s Legacy
The Rise and Fall of a Talented Athlete
Deon Long’s legacy is a mixture of promise unfulfilled and lessons learned the hard way. His talent as a wide receiver was evident during his college years, and his potential was clear to many scouts. However, his inability to stay out of trouble off the field ultimately hampered his career and prevented him from reaching the heights many expected.
Despite the controversies, Long’s story serves as a reminder of the volatility of professional sports, where talent alone is not always enough. Success in the NFL requires discipline, focus, and the ability to navigate personal challenges, something Long struggled with throughout his career. However, his role in the reality show and his family dynamics ensured he remained a public figure, even after his football career ended.
Conclusion
Deon Long’s journey through professional football was one marked by unfulfilled potential and off-field issues. While his athleticism and skill were never in question, it was his inability to overcome personal challenges that prevented him from having a successful career in the NFL. Long’s story, however, serves as a valuable lesson in perseverance and the importance of maintaining focus both on and off the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happened to Deon Long after his football career?
Deon Long transitioned into reality television after his football career ended. He starred in the show Doubling Down with the Derricos, which followed his life with his large family. He faced personal challenges, including a divorce, but has remained a public figure.
2. What teams did Deon Long play for in the NFL?
Deon Long played for the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, St. Louis (later Los Angeles) Rams, and the Philadelphia Eagles during his brief NFL career.
3. How many children does Deon Long have?
Deon Long has 14 children with his ex-wife, Karen Derrico.
4. Why was Deon Long released from the Los Angeles Rams?
Deon Long was released from the Rams for violating team rules by bringing a woman into his dorm during training camp, an incident that was featured on Hard Knocks.
5. What is Deon Long’s legacy in the NFL?
Deon Long’s legacy in the NFL is one of unfulfilled potential. While his talent was clear, off-field controversies and legal issues prevented him from having a long and successful career in professional football.
