Paul B. Long

Paul “Tommy” Long, who graduated from Emory & Henry in 1931, was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 1976 for his accomplishments as a football player.

Long was considered one of the best centers in the state. He helped the team win back-to-back Smoky Mountain Conference championship in 1927-28 when the team went undefeated both seasons. Over the four years Long played, the team compiled a record of 35-3-2, holding their opponents to an average of three points per game.

Long was exempt from the draft in World War II, but volunteered to serve in the Navy, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander before his retirement. After this, he was employed by General Dynamics Astronautics in San Diego, California. Long was active in numerous civic organizations. In particular, he was known for his diehard support of the San Diego Chargers and was a charter member of the “Charger Backers,” the team’s official fan club.

Paul Long, a native of Bristol, Virginia, was born on November 13, 1908 and died on July 10, 1999 at the age of 88.