Chris Long donating six game checks to aid Charlottesville

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long is donating six of his 2017 game checks to fund two scholarships for students in his native Charlottesville.

Chris Long is a former No. 2 overall pick by the then-St. Louis Rams. He won a Super Bowl with the 2016 New England Patriots. Long has made quite the career for himself in the NFL. Now the Philadelphia Eagles defensive end is putting his money where his mouth is to help out students in his native Charlottesville.

Long grew up in Virginia and played his college ball for the Virginia Cavaliers. As a politically conscious football player, Long has always given back to the community during his decade-long NFL career. Water Boys has been synonymous with his charitable efforts.

Now Long will be donating six of his 2017 NFL game checks with the Eagles to fund two students from Charlottesville’s college education. The money that Long will donate should cover seven years all expenses paid.

Charlottesville was where white supremacists rallied in early August to protest the removal of confederate statues in the Virginia college town. It was a national embarrassment, making it hard to believe this is 2017 and not 1957.

Hearing that Long will be paying for two fellow Charlottesville native’s college tuition is incredible. Long comes from a huge football family, as the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long. His younger brother Kyle Long plays on the Chicago Bears offensive line. It’s not like Long grew up in poverty or anything.

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Being charitable and ultra-inclusive is just part of what makes Long a great player and a terrific person. Charlottesville is home to one of the best public schools in the country in the University of Virginia. Long is using his platform as an NFL star to make the world a better place. Kudos to he and his Megan for doing this.