Bob Long, former Green Bay Packers star and a three-time NFL champion, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 83.
Packers took to their official site to announce the death of their former star, Bob Long.
Bob Long passed away at his home in Brookfield, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving family.
Although the team did not disclose the cause of Long’s passing, his friend Wayne Sargent stated on social media that Bob had been battling heart disease for a long time.
The post reads,
“RIP Bob Long Green Bay Packer, 2 time Superbowl champion #80, My very dear friend died Sunday night peacefully after a long battle with heart disease. The hours of story telling that are embedded in my sole will never be forgotten.”
Wayne Sargent
In response to his demise, many of his fans and loved ones send their heartfelt condolences to his family during his difficult phase and pay tribute to the legendary NFL player.
Bob Long, who began his professional football journey with the Green Bay Packers of the NFL as an offensive end in 1964, played with the team from 1964 to 67 and won three straight NFL titles.
He played in Super Bowls I and II with the Packers, winning both titles in his final seasons.
Similarly, Long showcased his exceptional football skills playing for several NFL teams, including Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins, and Los Angeles Rams, before his retirement.
Prior to his football journey, Long excelled in basketball while attending Wichita State University.
He was a three-year letter winner for basketball and led his team to several victories.
Although Long only played one year of football at Wichita State, he made a significant impact, setting school single-season records for receptions with 42 yards with 653 and touchdowns with nine.
The Former NFL Star Bob Long Lived A Low-Profile Life
Despite being a legendary NFL player, Bob Long maintained a low profile and didn’t share much about his personal life.
Although he mentioned his wife and kids in interviews, he never disclosed their names, and no information about his family is available.
However, according to some reports, Bob Long’s kids played sports in their high school.
Long experienced a severe stroke in 1991 when he was 50 years old. He spent two-and-a-half months at Elmbrook Memorial Hospital in Brookfield and almost 10 months in therapy at Sacred Heart Hospital in Milwaukee.
The NFL star was in excellent shape, never smoked, and did not drink, but his stroke raised concerns among doctors. Neither Long nor his doctors could determine the cause of his stroke.
Some suggested that stress might have been a factor, but Long disagreed with the theory.
After the stroke, Long decided to close down his RAL Asset Management Company and focus on his health for a while; he later continued to focus on his business.
Despite suffering a major stroke, Bob Long remained optimistic. In an interview, he stated,
“I had no paralysis, I came out of this thing pretty good. I have no complaints at all. I’m grateful I survived, period, so I could spent more time with my wife and kids.”
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Bob Long remained optimistic throughout his life and always encouraged people never to give up, no matter what happens.
Moreover, Bob Long was not only known for his athletic skills but also for his philanthropy.
For years, he actively participated in various charity events in Wisconsin. He was involved with the NFLPA Retirees organization and successfully raised over $1,500,000 for different charities through the Long Journey to the Super Bowl Raffle he organized.
Similarly, he contributed to the Ray Nitschke Foundation, Special Olympics, Task Force Against Family Violence, and Alzheimer’s.
He also established the first Pizza Hut in northern Wisconsin and ran the business from 1986 to 1979.
Bob Long’s contribution to the community and sports will always be remembered.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Bob Long was born Robert Andrew Long on June 16, 1941, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, United States.
- He was inducted into the State of Kansas Hall of Fame in 1965 and the Wichita State Hall of Fame in 1981.
- In 2008, Long was added to the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
