All-Time Lions QBs Ranked: Layne #1, Goff #2

Chuck Long

#16 · Detroit Lions
Retired 5 Years In The NFL
🏆 Maxwell Award (1985)
Chuck's
HAIR
13.6
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Chuck Long or the Lions?

Chuck Long Legacy

HEYTC AI
Chuck Long, the gunslinging Iowa gunslinger who first cracked the Big Ten's 10,000-yard passing code, etched his legend with a naked bootleg scamper into the end zone—ball held high—sealing a 35-31 thriller over Michigan State on homecoming in '85, just after Iowa hit No. 1. A Maxwell and O'Brien sweepstakes winner, Heisman runner-up to Bo Jackson in a razor-thin duel, he piloted the Hawkeyes to a Big Ten crown and Rose Bowl glory, then grinded eight NFL seasons before morphing into a coaching nomad—XFL champ with the Renegades, College Hall of Famer whose Hawkeye faith from Hayden Fry unlocked every door.

Chuck Long Rating Breakdown

Season
Non-Factor
Fantasy
Subpar
Playoffs
Non-Factor
Overall
NPC
5 years with the Lions

Chuck Long Career Stats via Wikipedia

3,747 Pass Yards
19 Touchdowns
28 INTs
54.5% Comp %
13.6 HAIR

Chuck Long Career Timeline

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1992 1

Career ended due to injuries

Retired from the NFL at age 29 after persistent injuries, including shoulder issues, limited his play across multiple teams.

1991 1

Joined Cardinals

Signed with the Phoenix Cardinals as a free agent, serving as a backup quarterback during the 1991 season.

1990 1

Released by Rams

Released by the Los Angeles Rams after appearing in limited action; later signed briefly with the Detroit Lions before moving on.

1989 1

Traded to Rams

Traded by the Detroit Lions to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a third-round draft pick.

1987 1

Made first NFL start for Lions

Earned his first career NFL start as quarterback for the Detroit Lions, completing 15 of 28 passes for 181 yards in a loss to the Chicago Bears.

1986 2

Signed rookie contract with Lions

Signed a multi-year rookie contract with the Detroit Lions following his draft selection; spent 5 years with the team (1986-1990).

Drafted by Lions

Chuck Long was selected as a first-round pick (#18 overall) by the Detroit Lions in the 1986 NFL Draft out of Iowa.

5 years in the NFL

Frequently Asked Questions About Chuck Long

How does Jared Goff compare to Chuck Long?

Chuck Long's Lions tenure was a brief flameout—3,747 yards, 19 TDs, buried by 28 picks—while Jared Goff's got that Super Bowl sniff and steady hand, turning Detroit into contenders. Long's the college stud who fizzled pro; Goff's the survivor scripting playoffs. Night-and-day legacies, like comparing a '87 backup to today's franchise surgeon.

Is Chuck Long in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Nah, Chuck Long's not in Canton—no bust waiting for him in the Hall. His NFL stay was too rocky: 64.5 passer rating over five spotty seasons with the Lions and Rams, despite that Heisman runner-up shine from Iowa. Legends like Layne own those shelves; Long's a what-if trivia guy.

What is Chuck Long doing now in 2026?

Long's off the grid in 2026—no headlines on broadcasting gigs or charity drives, just echoes of his SDSU coaching flop (9-27 from '06-'08). Post-NFL, he faded into quiet Norman life, maybe golfing or Hawkeye tailgates. Guy who torched Texas in the '86 Orange Bowl deserves a mic somewhere, but crickets.

How would Chuck Long perform in today's NFL?

Long's quick release and accuracy—Iowa's all-time comp pct king—would feast under today's pass-happy rules, no sack-happy defenses like his '87 Lions era. Imagine 55% completions with RPOs and ghost protections; he'd pile 4,000-yard seasons, less INT baggage. Still, arm talent screamed starter, not spot duty.

How does Chuck Long compare to Bobby Layne?

Bobby Layne's the grizzled Lions gunslinger with a 38.72 rating and three titles; Long limped to 13.55 over scraps, more picks than playoff whiffs. Layne was whiskey-fueled chaos magic; Long, college wizard turned pro piñata. Both wore Honolulu blue, but Layne's the forever Ford Field toast.