Gamecocks Mourn the Passing of Kevin Long

Kevin Long, a member of the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame and the State of South Carolina Hall of Fame, passed away September 10 at the age of 69.

Long, a native of Clinton, S.C., was a four-year letterman for the Gamecocks at running back from 1973-76 and remains 10th on the all-time career rushing list with 2,372 yards.

In 1975, Long became the first Gamecock to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season with 1,133 yards.  He had six games with more than 100 yards, including a career best 160 yards against North Carolina State in 1975.

In the Gamecocks’ 24-13 win over #18 Baylor in 1975, Long rushed for 133 yards.  The following year, in Carolina’s 10-7 win against #17-ranked Ole Miss Rebels in 1976, Long rushed for 91 yards on 10 carries.

Long helped lead the Gamecocks to a 7-5 record in 1975 and the program’s third bowl game in history against Miami (Ohio) in the Tangerine Bowl.

Long was selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 1977 NFL Draft and played there five seasons, rushing for 2,190 yards and 25 touchdowns, while catching 74 passes for 539 yards and three touchdowns.

From 1983-85, Long played in the USFL for the Chicago Biltz, Arizona Wranglers, and the Arizona Outlaws.

Long met his wife, Frankie, as students at USC, both earning their degrees, and were married for 46 years.  They had four children, Kevin, Latifah, Alisa and Salia; and six grandchildren.

Funeral plans are pending. Tribute wall posted at Myers Mortuary and Cremation Services, 2624 Alpine Road, Columbia, SC.