Buford Long
Buford Eugene Long (December 14, 1931 – September 1, 2006) was an American football player who played for the Florida Gators in college and the New York Giants in the NFL during the 1950s. He was born in Lake Wales, Florida, and went to Lake Wales High School. At the University of Florida (1950–1952), Long played in an era when players were often on both offense and defense, excelling as a halfback and defensive back. A notable moment came in 1952 when he ran 77 yards for a touchdown to help the Gators beat Georgia 30–0. That year Florida went 8–3 and won a bowl game against Tulsa. Long finished his college career with 25 rushing touchdowns and earned third-team All-SEC honors in 1952. He also lettered in baseball and track, and graduated with a physical education degree in 1955. He was later inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a “Gator Great.”
The New York Giants drafted Long in the fifth round in 1953, and he played three seasons with them (1953–1955). In 26 NFL games, he rushed 52 times for 164 yards and a rushing touchdown, caught 33 passes for 462 yards and four receiving touchdowns, and made three interceptions. He also returned 23 kickoffs for 607 yards. Long died September 1, 2006, at his home in Wauchula, Florida, at age 74.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 18:29 (CET).