Chat with Chris Long

Long turned in a brilliant senior year, collecting 79 tackles (19 for losses), 14 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception that Long returned 25 yards. He was a unanimous All-America selection, winner of the Ted Hendricks Award (given to the nation's top defensive end) and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2007.
According to his Scouts Inc.'s draft profile, Long is "everything a NFL team looks for in a future perennial Pro Bowl defensive end. His combination of size, power, quickness and tenacity are unparalleled by anyone in college football today. Adding to Long's value is his versatility; he can play end in a three-and-four man front (or both in a hybrid) in the NFL. "
Send in your questions now and join Long on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. ET!
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Buzzmaster (3:33 PM)
Chris should be here shortly. Send in those questions!
Buzzmaster (3:40 PM)
We've got Chris!
Jeremy (Henry, VA)
Will you be disappointed if you are not chosen number one overall or will you simply be satisfied with playing in the NFL?
Chris Long (3:40 PM)
I'll be satisfied to play wherever I go. It's an accomplishment to play in the NFL.
Ron St.Louis, Missouri
Who was your football idle(other than your dad) growing up ?
Chris Long (3:41 PM)
A couple...Sean Taylor, Patrick Kierney, Strahan.
Denny (Chicago, IL)
If given a choice, would you prefer to play in a standard "4-3" defense at Defensive End, or would you rather be an End or a Linebacker in a "3-4" defense?
Chris Long (3:41 PM)
I'm about 270 right now, so I could go either way. I'm open for whatever any team asks me to do. I'd have fun doing either one. It's football at the end of the day.
Dan (Detroit)
I've seen you everywhere today. What are you up to?
Chris Long (3:43 PM)
I'm doing a media tour for Sprint, who is an NFL sponsor, whom I'm working with. Be sure to watch the NFL draft LIVE on your Sprint phone. And read my and Matt Ryan's blogs on your Sprint phone.
Kenny Chernauskas, Charlottesville Virginia
Are you coming to my engagement party in Charlottesville this Saturday?
Chris Long (3:43 PM)
I wouldn't miss it for the world, Kenny!
Jake (Boston, MA)
What was it like growing up around the NFL and how did it help you become a better football player?
Chris Long (3:44 PM)
It wasn't so much growing up around the NFL, it was growing up around my dad. He was a great professional and teammate as well as football player. I learned so much from him.
Skyler Raleigh N.C
What will you miss most about playing in Charlottesville?
Chris Long (3:44 PM)
I'm going to miss my friends the most. My friends and teammates. I'm going to miss my teammates, guys like John Phillips, Byron Blastey.
Joseph C. (Richmond, Virginia)
Who do you think was the better athlete in their prime, your or your dad?
Chris Long (3:45 PM)
I'm not sure. We're very similar, but I think we're different in some ways. We'll have to see, because I don't think I'm in my prime yet.
Dan, Charlottesville Va
What do you think about the possibility of playing in Oakland? Would you be excited to follow in your father's footsteps or nervous about constant comparisons to his playing days?
Chris Long (3:46 PM)
I've been compared to my dad my whole life. That pressure I've learned to deal with. Having said that, I think Oakland would be a great place, but anything can happen.
Jason (OH)
Best place to eat in Charlottesville? Personally I like the Mellow Mushroom and Bodo's Bagels.
Chris Long (3:46 PM)
Those two would definitely be in the top five. Also try Wayside Chicken and Paccino's Deli.
Tony Bedminster, NJ
How do you feel about the talk of a rookie pay scale? Do you think you've earned millions of dollars already while you have not played in the NFL yet?
Chris Long (3:47 PM)
I think a lot of the money, as I understand it is slotted anyway. So you get what you put in.
Macon (Charlottesville, VA)
Would do you play as in Madden 08?
Chris Long (3:48 PM)
I would play in Madden 08 as the G-Men, Macon.
Steve (Manalapan, NJ)
What were your favorite UVA traditions, athletic and otherwise?
Chris Long (3:48 PM)
My favorite UVA traditions was Foxfield.
Greg (Washington, DC)
What does it feel like to know that you are going from being a college kid to a multi millionaire in a little over a week?
Chris Long (3:49 PM)
I try not to think about the money, because I feel like I'm the same guy no matter what. The things around me will change but that doesn't change who I am.
Kevin (Charleston, SC)
I'm sure you get a lot of questions about living up to your dad's career and reputation, but I'm wondering if you'll be able to live up to his hair.
Chris Long (3:50 PM)
I've decided that I'm going to stick with my hair do and never rock the flat top. But that's a good question, because that is a legacy to live up to.
zack (cedarhurst, NY)
What would you consider your greatest accoplishment at the end of your career? Thanks
Chris Long (3:51 PM)
Being named the captain two times by my peers and teammates, because at the end of the day your teammates respect is the most important thing.
Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)
Has the great Terry Bradshaw given you any advice?
Chris Long (3:51 PM)
If I seek advice, I usually don't go to Terry, but he's a heckuva guy and really funny too.
Patrick (San Diego, CA)
UVA's program is strict on conduct and academics.. do you feel that your experience within that program prepared you to deal with the potential pitfalls of a pro-athlete?
Chris Long (3:52 PM)
Without a doubt, playing under Al Groh, coupled with the academics at UVA, helps me be better prepared for the rigors of the NFL.
Joe Meridian, MS
Will you be in New york on Draft Day?
Chris Long (3:52 PM)
I will be in New York with a number of my friends and family.
Ben (Charlottesville, VA)
Foxfield and the draft conflict. Feel like you're missing out?
Chris Long (3:53 PM)
I feel torn. But the draft won out by a close margin.
Bill: Deckerville, MI
Have you ever thought about growing a mullet like 2007 sack champion Jared Allen?
Chris Long (3:55 PM)
A mullet is something that takes time and effort. Although a daunting task, it may be something that I take in my career after I get myself established.
Chris Long (3:55 PM)
Thanks a lot for coming through and asking all these interesting questions. Be sure to check out my blog on your Sprint phone as well as Sprint's coverage of the NFL draft. Wahoo UVA all day long!
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