Gone too soon
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, February 14th, 2007 at 10:51 pm in Oakland Raiders.
As the story goes, Craig Long’s first step toward joining the Raiders came at an Ace Hardware Store in Iowa.
Young Craig walked up to former Oakland coach and Ace pitchman John Madden, in town for a promotional visit, and asked what it would take to work for the Raiders. Madden handed Craig a card, and told him, “You just give them this.”
Craig held on to the card, and eventually, when up for an unpaid internship in the Raiders public relations department that was sought by many, got the job.
That’s the way Daryl Long told the story Wednesday evening at the Stuvre and Laporte Funeral Chapel in Salinas, while alternately mourning and celebrating the life of his son.
Other than his apperances on his “On the Edge” show on the Raiders’ Web site, and guest spots on the club-produced “Behind the Shield,” Craig’s job with the Raiders was to stay behind the scenes. His life, which ended suddenly on Feb. 9 at age 36, touched only a small percentage of the fans of the team which he cared so much about.
To his wife Allison, his daughter Ava, and another daughter to be born in June, life has been altered in a stunning and irreversable way. One moment, Craig was talking to his father on the phone about business. Then he was dancing with his daughter, telling Allison he felt faint.
Then he was gone, the victim of a heart attack. A few reporters, myself, Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times and free lance writer Mike Wagaman, went to pay our respects Wednesday night. Allison told us an autopsy gave no clues as to Craig’s death. It was a heart attack, no explanation as to how or why.
We talked to Allison, Craig’s parents and other family members while a slide show played in the backround. Craig as a high school wrestler in Iowa. Craig clowning in front of a Karaoke machine. Craig at his wedding. Craig holding his newborn daugter. Craig wearing an Oklahoma T-shirt with an Iowa farm in the backround. Craig arm-in-arm with his friend, Rich Gannon.
Flower arrangements surrounded an open coffin. Beloved Father and Husband. Beloved Son. Beloved Brother. The Raiders sent an arrangement with a silver and black bow. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a handful of ex-Raiders in their employ, sent one as well.
There will be another service Thursday night attended by players and more friends. The floor will be opened and memories will be shared. Craig will eventually be buried near his home in his Laurens, Iowa, at a cemetery not far from where is father drives every day to and from his never-ending chores as a classic middle America farmer.
Gannon will be a pallbearer and speak at his funeral.
Craig first moved to California in 1997, leaving a Master’s program at Tennessee and using an inheritance to work as a Raiders intern. He worked for the Raiders into the 2004 season before leaving for a business opportunity as a national sales account manager.
It has seldom been a smooth and easy relationship between the Raiders and the media, but dealing with Craig was different.
Leaving for the Oakland Airport the day after Thanksgiving in 2001, I failed to take into account the potential parking problem. There wasn’t a space to be had at any lot in the area. Knowing time was running short to make my flight, I called Craig. The Raiders’ charter wasn’t scheduled to take off for two more hours. I parked at the Raiders facility, and he drove me to the airport in time for my flight, taking no small amount of delight in my elevated stress level.
At a time when Sebastian Janikowski was notoriously media shy, Craig talked him into meeting with me under a stairwell in a hallway in the Raiders facility. He got me on the phone with Gannon after Kerry Collins was signed.
He didn’t want any credit for this _ frankly, it was frowned upon by his superiors. It was better to keep it quiet.
From 1997 through 2004, Craig took minor exception to exactly one thing I’d written. A short time later, we were laughing about it.
Craig understood people. He knew writers, he knew the players. He had formed relationships with all of them. It never made sense to him the two sides couldn’t get along and have a mutually beneficial relationship instead of an adversarial one.
When Craig bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle, his riding partners included Raiders players John Parrella and Adam Treu. They took a break for refreshment one day, and Allison assumed they were stopping for a beer.
Nope. They stopped for ice cream, and Craig ordered a scoop of “Bubble Gum.” From then on, that flavor became his nickname among the Raider riders.
The media and players who Craig befriended are hurting, but their lives will go on as they return to their own families, holding their own kids a little closer and appreciating things a little more for the time being.
For close friends and family, it’s a different story.
Allison told us Wednesday about how a mutual friend had arranged a blind date. They went to Margaritaville in Sausalito and talked for hours without opening a menu. Allison said she didn’t know the difference between the Super Bowl and the World Series, so Craig had her enroll in Football 101, a course for women taught by the Raiders.
Allison never really took to football, but Craig didn’t seem to mind all that much.
Once Craig’s daughter was born, I was relieved he could finally tell me all about it the same way I had droned on and on to him over the years with tales of my kids while the writers waited in empty locker rooms for players to appear for interviews.
Craig had a wicked sense of humor. One time, he sent an e-mail to a couple of writers which simulated a virus that purged files one by one. The screen went black before the computer re-started and the joke was unveiled. Nothing had been lost at all.
He could be a contrarian. Family members say the only reason he became a devout Oklahoma fan is because the rest of them were Nebraska fans. He chose the arch-rival simply to make a point, and anyone who can push the Sooners in front of Husker fans is ready-made for being a Raider.
It is that side of Craig, as well as that of father and husband, that Allison said she will remember. Although acknowledging it sounds a little strange, Allison said the middle name of her unborn daughter will be “Craig.”
Daryl, Craig’s father, recently saw his son’s resume and marveled at the many things he had accomplished in his relatively short life. His mother, Dorothy, echoed those sentiments.
Craig and Allison were in the process of selling their home in Salinas and embarking on a “new life” in Edmonds, Oklahoma, as Craig embarked on a new business venture at the time of his death.
Before that opportunity, Allison said, Craig had talked occasionally of returning to the Raiders. He may not have always agreed with them in terms of public relations philosophy, but desperately wanted to see them do well.
The shock was evident as stories were given and received, with laughter amidst the tears.
“It’s all so surreal,” Allison said.
(A trust fund has been set up for Ava Long. Send donations in care of Allison Long, account number 0072860478, Bank of America, with Craig Long Memorial Fund in the memo section. The address is 1010 E. Alisal St., Salinas, CA, 93905. Write “Craig Long Memorial Fund” in the memo section.)
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February 14th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Rest In Peace Craig Long. May God bless you and the family you left behind.
Nice article Jerry. I knew a little about Craig Long here and there, but it was nice to see something I hadn’t seen. And thanks for including information about the trust fund.
Hey, I give credit where it’s due.
February 15th, 2007 at 4:10 am
RIP Craig Long.
Any member of the Raider Family lost, is a tragedy.
–Patrick
http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/
(Still Writing about the Draft)
February 15th, 2007 at 5:54 am
Craig Long lived my dream. I too am from Iowa and love the Raiders. I knew I never could play for them but always have wanted to contribute somehow. I guess it goes to show if you want something bad enough you can attain it. God Bless you Craig Long & Family.
Mike
February 15th, 2007 at 6:16 am
So sad. You will be missed Craig. Your great reporting touched fans all over the world and my sympathies go out to the Long family in their time of need.
February 15th, 2007 at 8:03 am
wow great write up Jerry, i use to watch his “on the edge” all the time, he always seemed like a really nice person, and you confirmed that. My thoughts are with his family.
February 15th, 2007 at 9:32 am
This may sound dumb, but was it a business card that Madden gave him so that he could get a job years later? I would like to hear more about the specifics of that…
My condolences to his family sounds like they were just getting started.
February 15th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Jerry, thanks for the write-up. I always enjoyed Craig’s interviews with the players. I can’t believe a guy goes like that at 36 while he’s playing with his kid. I couldn’t help but think of my own daughters as I read the story. As a firefighter the thought is always in the back of my mind that when I leave for a shift and my oldest says “be safe, see you tomarrow”, I may not be there tomarrow. I also see so many people who are way to young to die of “natural causes” who would be alive if they had taken care of themselves. I’m not commenting on Craig’s health but this should be a good reminder that 36 years old is too young to die and we all should take the steps to do what we can to know our true health: have regular physicals and pay attention to what our bodies and minds need to stay healthy.
Sorry for the editorializing and thanks for the memorial fund address.
February 15th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Condolences and prayers to the family. Everytime I read something like that, it reminds me just how inconsequential the trials are in my life. We all need to step back and take a look at what matters most. It is family, those people who have put up with my Raider passion for so long! Especially my wife. I’m 39 and I pray for Craig’s family and that I will remember to live each day completely, and to love those who matter the most.
February 15th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
My condolences to his family, Craig was a good friend to the Oakland Raiders Boooster Club as well as myself and he will be sorely missed.
They don’t make them like that anymore.
RIP My Friend, give the Runner a hug for me and I take comfort in knowing that you 2 guys are looking down on us.
as always…………………..
GO RAIDERS!!!!!
February 15th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Sorry you lost your friend Jerry & thank you for the article. Craig will be missed by his extended Raider family.
February 15th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
thanks Jerry, I knew of craig, I too looked into working with the team, I decided against it. I got to know rich gannon a little as I did some businesss with the team. It is nice to see Gannon standing by his friend who passed, those that know gannon are not suprised.
RIP Mr. Long
February 15th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
I knew Craig for a while, it makes me sad to see a “Father & Friend
& Husband, and Co-worker leave us at the age of 36. He could light a
room with his smile and make you laugh at just about anything.
He would do silly things make faces at your or just ask you how your
day was going. Wrestling & Football were his life, and anyone who
knew him knew that. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him
Ava & Allison, he was a wonderful person my thoughts and prayers
are with you & The Long Family in this time of loss.
Go Raiders…. won’t be the same without you Craig!
February 15th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Terrible news.
Condolences and prayers to his family and friends,
February 15th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
r.i.p mr. long
February 15th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
As a freelance writer, I covered the Raiders from 1999-2004. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Craig and admire how he worked with such grace for an organization that isn’t easy to work for. I also enjoyed being around Craig as a person. As a Nebraska alum, we shared more than our good-natured NU-OU barbs. He still owes me a 12-pack from 2001 when NU won. But that’s OK, I look forward to those cold adult beverages when we meet in heaven. My heart goes out to the Long family. You raised a great son who will be missed. God bless!
February 15th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Sorry to hear about the sad news, Jerry, but thanks for informing Raider Nation. Yes, we are football fans, and yes, it’s a business as much as a sport. It is also, however, about people, and the “behind the scenes” types deserve recognition as much as the headliners…my thoughts are with the Long family…
February 15th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
I have been blessed with so many wonderful thoughts and prayers. Craig would truly be honored… I know he is looking down from heaven with that infectious smile and sparkle in his eyes.
I will never know, nor understand why he was taken away from us. He was much more than my husband… he was my best friend, my soul mate and most importantly, my little angel’s daddy. I will never meet anyone like him again in my life, nor do I want too. The seven years I spent will him were far too short… but so contained the laughter, love and good times of a lifetime. I will cherish each and every moment and remind our daughters what an amazing person their daddy was.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts, prayers, heartwarming stories and kind words. My beloved Craig would be blown away. He was honored to work with The Raiders and loved each and every fan. To him… everyone was family.
The funeral service in Salinas, CA was earlier today and our final service and burial will be in his hometown (Laurens, Iowa) on Tuesday. Some say time heals all wounds but I disagree. Nothing can heal how I and so many others feel right now. Ava cries for her daddy and my heart aches for my best friend. All I can do is pray that he is looking down on us every step of the way.
So many people have asked me “what can I do”…. I have something I want you to do. Please go home, hug your spouse or loved one, kiss your children, tell then you love them and don’t let go. Cherish every moment as you never know when it will be taken away from you. We had no warning…. we had no second chances. I would give anything in the world to look in his eyes one more time and tell him I love him.
Thank you again and God bless.
Allison and Ava Long
February 16th, 2007 at 8:34 am
Thank you for this post. I will be 34 and am a high school coach that’s gets far too upset at games which probably doesn’t do my heart good. I have a beautiful wife who I would hate to leave alone this young in life. Maybe I learn a lesson from this terrible loss and take things a little easier, and not sweat the small stuff so much. I know he didn’t have the heart attack as a result of getting upset, but it is an eye opener nonethe less
I liked his spots on get the edge. They were pro raider of course but for true raider fans they were nice. Thanks once again and god bless his family.
February 16th, 2007 at 11:45 am
Very goo write up Jerry…
he was not too far from me growing up here in Des moines..
RIP
February 16th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Allison, you are so very strong. I hope I never have to go through what you’re going through now, but if I did I know I couldn’t be that strong. Thank you for your post. My wife is a flight attendant, so she is not home for me to hug and tell her how much I love her, but I did the best I could. I called her and told her about Craigh and the post that you left. I read her the last paragraph that started with “what can I do”. I’m generally considered a pretty tough guy (football player in college/PE teacher/football/basketball coach), but as I was reading that paragraph over the phone to my wife I started to break down. I couldn’t imagine losing her, but as you said right then and there I let her know how much I loved her, and how much she meant to me. I’m sure others will take your advice, and we’re better for it. Thank you and God bless you and your Angel. ONe thing is for sure you’ll have one in Heavan looking out for you now.
Sincerely Brad Dowling
February 16th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Allison,
Thoughts are with you. I am a Raider fan based in England, Great Britain and Craig’s slots on the Raiders website was one of the ways we could keep up over here. I obviously didn’t know Craig personally, but he came across as a really nice guy and his influence went beyond the USA.
Your post was very touching and I wish you all the very best for the future. Time is a great healer - it dulls the pain but not the memories. So keep them close.
All the best.
Owen
February 16th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Hi to all in the RAIDER NATION and beyond. We need to help.
I was a friend of the Craig’s and through that friendship met Allison and, of course, Ava. Also, I’m one of the “Raider” Harley riders that Craig was involved in as Jerry mentioned above.
To know Craig was, as another dear friend of his mentioned, a “good fit”. He was an amazingly loving Husband, Father and friend…and he will be missed. Attention now turns to those he left behind and as members of the Ration Nation Family, let’s see how we can help.
Reality sets in: Imagine if you will not being able to see your children grow; or have them gain from your wisdom and strength as they grow. Imagine not knowing your father as you grew up…these unspeakable nightmares are only to real for the Long Family looking forward.
So, not to be presumptuous and please don’t feel ill will towards me, it is from my heart and God’s grace that I urge you ALL to consider a donation to the Long Family to help Allison, Ava and her soon to be born Daughter feel more secure…especially during this time of intense sadness, fear, darkness and bewilderment.
Thanks, in advance, for any and all you can do to help…and for your donation if that is possible, Jim Heal.
HOW TO GIVE:
A trust fund has been set up for Ava Long. Send donations in care of Allison Long, account number 0072860478, Bank of America, with Craig Long Memorial Fund in the memo section. The address is 1010 E. Alisal St., Salinas, CA, 93905. Write “Craig Long Memorial Fund” in the memo section
February 16th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
I knew Craig very well many years ago in college and this article brings tears to my eyes, Words can do no justice to the man Craig Long became and his legacy will never be forgotten, May he rest in peace.
In his name,
Myra Gammon
February 16th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
I know I paid my respects once but I want to truly say sorry to Mr. Long’s family. My prayers go out to everyone who knew and loved him. Allisons blog really touched me, I hope everyone stays strong….. with love, Raul Villarreal.
February 18th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
Jerry what a fantastic article on my sons life. May I have our local paper reprint it? I marvel at your accuracy- you too are a pro. finding having two services is most difficult for his parents.I am stunned at his following- didn’t know that my son had touched so many hearts around the world. My son was so thankful for the things that I have done for him. I am proud to have been his father. Thanks, Daryl Long
February 19th, 2007 at 6:09 am
Allison, My thoughts and prayers are with you, your Daughter and your extended family. Rest in peace Mr. Long.
A thought…
DEATH LEAVES A HEARTACHE NO ONE CAN HEAL,
LOVE LEAVES A MEMORY NO ONE CAN STEAL.
From a headstone in Ireland
February 19th, 2007 at 6:09 am
Jerry–
First off, I’m glad to hear you made it down to pay your respects to Craig and his family.
He truly will live on as one of the greatest people I have had the good fortune to work for and I will always take with me the lessons I learned from him professionally.
Craig had a huge heart and he and Allison always had an open door for me. It is that I will always remember and truly appreciate.
Thank you for writing such a fitting tribute.
Janell
February 19th, 2007 at 8:44 am
My condolence to the Long family. Craig was well remembered. He had a star sitting
upon his shoulder. Thank you Jerry, for the editorial that was needed. With life styles
that keep many of us quite busy, I appreciate the time well spent and well written.
Thank you. Allison, may there be blessings to cover the road ahead for you and your
daughter, always.
Katherine
February 19th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
To the Long family,
My tears and sorrow can’t compare to the devastation you have endured recently. Craig was a great man and someone that looked after me when I was an intern with the club in 2003. He was the one that gave me my shot with the Raiders and made us laugh on a daily basis. Whenever I needed something, he was always there for me.
It saddens me deeply that someone at such a young age can be taken away so quickly. I pray you and your family stay strong through this difficult time.
One story I can remember of Craig was setting up the press box before a home game. It was raining outside and the field tarp was drenched. Craig told me that if I would run across the tarp and act as if it was a slip and slide, he would buy me a jump suit like Al Davis’ and get me some metal links for my glasses. I didn’t take up the offer, but he was one guy that always made you laugh. God bless and R.I.P. Craig.
Sincerely,
Peter Car
February 20th, 2007 at 10:10 am
RIP Craig
My condolences to the loved ones he left behind.
February 21st, 2007 at 2:03 pm
I just want to say that the second funeral we had for my little brother in Laurens Iowa
was just as good as the first.Rich Gannon gave a wonder speech that touched us all.THANK YOU Jack,Jason and Jeanne for the wonderful stories you told about Craig. I know it was hard to get up and talk. IN LOVING MEMORY OF CRAIG LONG….
February 23rd, 2007 at 1:23 am
Hello to all,
Important message to those who have contributed to the Craig Allen Long Memorial Fund for Ava Long…
I just returned from Craig’s service in Lauren’s Iowa and was checking email. It has come to my attention that the funeral home accidentally published and INCORRECT bank account number for the Craig Long Memorial Fund. I was so upset at the time and never realized that this error had occured. If you have contributed to this fund, please note that it may have gone to another account or may be an invalid account number. Account number 00728-60478 is NOT CORRECT.
Via Bank:
Allison Long
Bank of America, Salinas, CA
ACCOUNT # 00728-60472
Or if mailing:
Under name: Allison Long
63 Carmel Avenue
Salinas, CA 93901
“Craig Long Memorial Fund” in memo section of check
I will be contacting Bank of America tomorrow morning but wanted to send out this email as well.
Sorry for the confusion this may have caused.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts. prayers and support during this difficult time. I could not do it without you!
Allison Long
February 23rd, 2007 at 2:07 am
Craig was my dear son-in-law. He was the one that swept my daughter off her feet and married her at sunset on the beach in Hawaii. Things only became more perfect when darling Ava was born. Watching Craig daily play with and help care for Ava was a delight. Every Mother dreams of having her daughter marry a guy like Craig. They live close by and he was always dropping by and helping me do things or teaching me computer stuff. He was more than a son-in-law, he was a great friend. Allison’s Dad and I will remain close during this terrible time of sorrow for Allison and Ava, and we join many friends and family that send thier love. I am so very proud to be Craig Long’s mother-in-law and I am going to miss him so much forever..
February 23rd, 2007 at 5:29 am
I’ve known Craig his entire life. Our Dads are brothers and there were six of us first cousins, I’m the oldest and Craig was the youngest. He was always a cute kid with blond hair, big blue eyes, and a smile on his face. When we were young we enjoyed many summers together in Laurens, Iowa. We kept Grandma company, hung out at my Uncle’s Coast to Coast store, visited the farm, and along with Craig’s older brother David, we always managed to play a few practical jokes. My younger sister Carrie and Craig are nearly the same age and were especially close. Craig would tease her by saying that I was his favorite cousin and laugh when Carrie would try to convince him that she was really his favorite. Craig and I had a special greeting, whenever we met up we’d give each other a big hug and say in unison “The oldest and the youngest”. Craig is the only guy who could call a girl “The oldest” and put a smile on her face!
As Craig ventured out in the world he touched many lives with his outgoing personality and sense of humor. Behind the smiles was a caring young man who was committed to his friends and family. When Craig met Allison we all knew she was the one! He became a husband and then a dedicated father to a beautiful girl named Ava.
Allison, Ava, Uncle Daryl, Aunt Dorothy, and cousins David, and Debbie,
Our grief and confusion, though so great, can not be compared to what you are feeling. You have all of our love and support in this time of unbearable loss and sadness. Craig will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. The “youngest” will always live on in our hearts.
February 23rd, 2007 at 9:43 am
Craig was one of the first friends I made when I first went to college in Martin Tn. He was a member of the fraternity I was in the process of pledging. I knew the first time I met him
that we would become pretty good friends. Over the years there were alot of good times and I can”t remember 1 bad one. We use to play Playstation Football games and unless you knew him you didn’t know what “trash-talking” really was. When he first moved to Oakland, I flew out and went to the Raiders facility and never in my life have I ever seen someone that loved his job the way Craig did. He was a Raider to the core. Over the last year or so we stayed in pretty regular contact thru phone calls and emails 2-3 times a week. I went in my email on the Monday after he passed and just went thru all the old ones and had to laugh at some of the ignorant things we use to make fun of each other about. I think I will print these out and hold onto them for a long time. Craig was good guy and I will miss him. Rest in Piece Brother .
February 24th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
We appreciate the great article and all the wonderful comments. It helps to ease the pain. Both services were lovely and those who took part did a great job. We will always have very special memories. Love, Mom Dorothy Long
February 26th, 2007 at 10:09 am
AS Craig’s uncle I knew him from infancy. He was always of good cheer,charm, and
a person of compassion..When my wife had a threatening brain tumor, Craig’s emails
gave us comfort and courage in a dark and tryiing time. Our hearts go out to to Debbie,
Dave, Allyson, Daryl and Dorothy at this devastating time.
April 15th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
E grande io ha trovato il vostro luogo! Le info importanti ottenute! ))
June 19th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
He left a legacy behind
A contrarian at heart…
i don’t think he knew how many lives he touched
How many friendships he created
How many friends cherished him in his lifetime
He was an amazing person and gave 110% for as long as he could
He will be missed by many and
He will live on in everyone’s hearts and mind
January 28th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Karaoke…
What is karaoke cassette player how does it work I…
April 11th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
I have just found out about Craig’s death via a yahoo search. I had not seen him in 7 years but he was friend. I met him through a friend, Mike Abadir, who were both interning with the Raiders in 1997. Craig was a great guy with a great sense of humor. He called me “Stunning Steve” after the wrestler and this used to make me laugh. He was a great guy and I am saddened of hearing of his passing.
Sincerely,
Steve Smith