Since 2001, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has showcased the nation’s premier high school football talent. The level of play in these games has demanded the absolute highest levels of mental, emotional and physical strengths for those participating. The expansive and continually growing list of prominent alumni featured in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl’s history stands as proof of this strength and the extraordinary level of competition. Some of the most notable All-American alumni include: 2007 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson, Mark Sanchez, 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, Andrew Luck, and Marcus Lattimore among many more.
Currently, there are more than 100 U.S. Army All-Americans playing in the NFL. During the 2011 NFL Draft, 28 U.S. Army All-Americans were selected, including five first round selections. An incredible total of 65 U.S. Army All-Americans have been selected in the past two NFL Drafts. More and more U.S. Army All-Americans enter the NFL each season as the Army All-American Bowl continues to produce some of the game’s brightest stars on its biggest stage.
2004 All-American bowl
St. Anne's Belfield High School | VA
- Long starred on both the offensive and defensive line, helping his team win a state championship. He was also honored as a three-time First-Team All-Central Virginia defensive lineman and was the conference Defensive Player of the Year in each of his final two seasons. Long received the ultimate honor when his jersey was retired at St. Anne's Belfield.
College: University of Virginia
- Long had a tremendous college career, topped off with one of the best senior seasons in Virginia history. He was a unanimous All-American selection, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and the Ted Hendricks Award winner, given to the nation's top defensive end. On the year, he recorded 79 tackles, 19 tackles-for-loss, 14 sacks (third best in the country) and one interception.
NFL: St. Louis Rams, Selected in the 2008 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 2nd Overall Pick.
- Long had a standout rookie year, starting all 16 games and leading the Rams in quarterback pressures. He had his first career multi-sack game against the Patriots and was named to the All-Rookie team at the end of the year. Long showed the versatility to play some downs at linebacker as well.
