Bob Long’s Legacy: Remembering the Green Bay Packers’ Unsung Hero Who Helped Secure Three Championships

Bob Long, a key player in the Green Bay Packers’ dynastic run during the 1960s, passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 83. Though often overlooked in the history of the franchise, Long’s contributions to the Packers’ three NFL championships and victories in Super Bowls I and II are significant and deserving of remembrance. His life story is one of athletic achievement, perseverance, and a commitment to community that transcended the football field.

Early Life and College Career

Born on June 16, 1942, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Long’s athletic career began in the basketball court rather than on the gridiron. As a standout player for Wichita State University, he earned three varsity letters under the guidance of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Ralph Miller. Long played alongside future NBA player Dave Stallworth, helping lead the Shockers to a 55-25 record and appearances in two NIT tournaments.

However, it was football where Long truly left his mark. After switching to football in 1963, Long set the record for most career receiving touchdowns at Wichita State with nine, a mark that tied for the NCAA lead that season. His explosive performances helped the team secure top rankings in the Missouri Valley Conference, showcasing his potential as an elite football talent. This success earned him a spot in the 1964 NFL Draft, where the Green Bay Packers selected him in the fourth round.

Joining the Green Bay Packers: A Key Contributor to the Lombardi Dynasty

Long’s professional journey with the Green Bay Packers began in 1964, where he played as an offensive end—a position that closely resembles the modern-day wide receiver. Under the legendary Vince Lombardi, Long became an integral part of the Packers’ championship-winning team. Between 1964 and 1967, Long helped secure three NFL titles, contributing both on the field and in pivotal games, including the team’s victories in Super Bowls I and II.

Throughout this period, Long made 53 receptions for 936 yards and 9 touchdowns, including a standout season in 1965. That year, Long’s contributions helped propel the Packers to a 10-3-1 record and an NFL Championship victory over the Cleveland Browns. Notably, in the 1965 season, Long caught 13 passes for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns, stepping up significantly due to injuries to other key players.

Detailed game logs from the 1965 season reveal Long’s crucial role in the Packers’ offense, as he scored touchdowns in key victories over the Bears, Rams, Steelers, and Eagles. One of his most memorable performances came in the Ice Bowl of 1967, when the Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 in the NFL Championship, a victory etched into NFL history as one of the most iconic games of all time.

Post-Packers Career: A Continued Impact

After leaving Green Bay, Long played for several other teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins, and Los Angeles Rams. In his seven-year NFL career, Long recorded 98 receptions for 1,539 yards and 10 touchdowns. While his time with the Packers was where his legacy was truly cemented, Long’s brief stints with other teams further showcased his ability to make an impact on the field.

Life After Football: Philanthropy and Community Impact

Following his retirement from football, Long dedicated much of his time to charitable work. He became actively involved with the NFLPA Retirees for Wisconsin and raised more than $1.5 million for various causes, including the Ray Nitschke Foundation, Special Olympics, and Alzheimer’s research. His charitable efforts extended to the business world as well, as he helped bring the first Pizza Hut to northern Wisconsin in the late 1960s. These endeavors reflected his desire to give back to his community, even after his days as a professional athlete had ended.

However, Long’s life took a challenging turn in the early 1990s, when he suffered a severe stroke that forced him to scale back his public and charitable activities. This marked a quieter chapter in his later years, though his contributions to his community and the world of sports were never forgotten.

Legacy and Remembrance

As news of Long’s passing spread in March 2025, tributes poured in from fans, teammates, and former coaches alike, with many reflecting on his enduring contributions to the Packers’ championship success. Long was fondly remembered for his key role in the Packers’ “Glory Years,” with many Packers fans viewing him as an unsung hero of the Lombardi era.

In the years following his football career, Long’s legacy was celebrated with various honors, including inductions into the State of Kansas Hall of Fame in 1965, Wichita State’s Hall of Fame in 1981, and the Western Chapter of Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. His enduring impact on the game was recognized by both his peers and the community, and his story continues to inspire future generations of athletes and philanthropists.

Long’s passing at 83 marked the end of a life well-lived, filled with championships, community service, and a love for the game of football. Though he may not have received the same level of recognition as some of his contemporaries, Bob Long’s legacy as a key contributor to the Packers’ dynasty remains an important chapter in the history of the Green Bay Packers.