Tel Tel Long’s Gator legacy forever lives on

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bowling Green community is mourning the loss of Tel Tel Long, who died over the weekend from a reported drowning.

News 40’s Hayden Ballinger looks back on the former Greenwood High School standout who left a lasting impact both on and off the field.

Long played football for Greenwood for four years, graduating in 2024.

His coach, William Howard, said while the highlights he had are good mementos, it’s what he provided off the field for Greenwood that made him stand out.

“You know, he was such a great kid. He did so many things for the program, and the thing that I remember the most is just his smile, the way he treated everybody, and the way he took time to take care of the little kids and the ones that looked up to him when he was playing,” Howard said.

In Long’s career at Greenwood, he tallied over 2,500 rushing yards, 1,000 receiving yards, and 34 total touchdowns for the Gators.

But according to Coach Howard, his unselfishness was the most important trait he brought to the teams.

“It was more than just about him. It was about the brotherhood, and about the team, and about, you know, sacrificing whatever he had to sacrifice on the field for us to be successful, whether it was blocking or playing defense or doing something that didn’t put him in the spotlight,” Howard said.

“He was willing to do it because he had love for all these kids that he played with.”

While the healing process has just begun for those touched by his life, his coach believes that his legacy will live on in everyone around him.

“You know, the ones that knew him were blessed because he was a special person, and being able to have him in your life has been a blessing. He did so many things for us on the field, but the things that I remember most are the things he did off the field,” Howard said. “You know, the little smirks and things, trying to get away with something.”

“It’s hard as a coach to lose somebody that close. You know, he’s kind of like a kid, you know? He’s like, he’s part of your family.”