Sports
Sports

Former Falcon Jake Long retires

Offensive lineman Jake Long, 30, was signed in September for $1.275 million as a back up tackle. Long played in four games.
Offensive lineman Jake Long, 30, was signed in September for $1.275 million as a back up tackle. Long played in four games.
By Juliakate E Culpepper
April 25, 2017

Former Atlanta Falcon Jake Long announced his retirement on Monday.

In a post on Twitter, Long wrote in part, “As I continue with my recent rehab I realize that although my heart and mind still want to play, my body is telling me something completely different. Mentally and physically I have given this game everything I possibly could. I love playing and will definitely miss it. But, I am so excited for the next chapter in my life and the opportunities that will come.”

Long signed a one-year deal with the Falcons in 2015, but only played in four games.

A tackle out of Michigan, Long was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins— two selections ahead of Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan. Long was named to the Pro Bowl roster his first four years with the Dolphins.

After first five seasons with the Dolphins, Long played with the then St. Louis Rams in 2013 and 2014.

Last season, Long played four games with the Minnesota Vikings. Long’s nine-year career ended when he suffered an Achilles injury in November.

About the Author

Juliakate E Culpepper
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream's Brittney Griner (42) shoots against Indiana Fever's Natasha Howard (6) and Aliyah Boston (7) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Friday, July 11, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Credit: AP

Griner’s 15 points help Dream take 37-point win over Sky

Parkview’s Malachi Washington competes in High School Home Run Derby

The Georgia native, who participated in Saturday’s High School Home Run Derby, hit seven home runs in the first round and added two in the second.

Why Georgia native Whit Weeks is the ‘driver’ of LSU’s defense

Weeks's father was a former Bulldogs’ offensive lineman and his two brothers also play at LSU. Some believe he could help LSU could win the national championship.

The Latest

Florida Panthers executive Mike Huff partied at Johnny's Hideaway with the Stanley Cup. (Brandon Amato/Courtesy of Johnny's Hideaway)

Credit: Brandon Amato/Johnny's HIdeaway

Sports Daily: Party responsibly

Atlanta TV sports listings

Sports Daily: Grumbling about pitches

Featured

“Our members cannot be bought off,” General President Sean O’Brien said in a social media statement, calling UPS' offers “illegal and haphazard.” (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2023)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

UPS offers unprecedented buyouts for drivers

The Teamsters union, which represents about 340,000 UPS employees, is urging its full-time members to reject the offers.

Longtime south Atlanta flea market set for massive mixed-use makeover

The developer is planning one of the largest projects in Atlanta’s Southside, a more than $500 million project near Greenbriar Mall.

MARTA chief Collie Greenwood retiring early

MARTA CEO and General Manager Collie Greenwood is leaving “because of immigration and personal matters” and has elected early retirement.