Eagles DE Long to donate rest of 2017 salary

Oct 18, 2017 - 3:36 PM Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long announced Wednesday he is donating the rest of his 2017 salary to increase educational equality.

Long already donated his first six game checks this season to fund two scholarships for students in his hometown of Charlottesville, Va. Long and his wife, Megan, made that decision last month after a series of white supremacist rallies in his hometown led to violence in the streets in August.

Long, 32, is now donating his remaining 10 game checks this season to four organizations by launching the "Pledge 10 for Tomorrow" campaign.

Those four organizations are based in Philadelphia, Boston and St. Louis, the three cities he played for during his NFL career.

"In my 10th year, I want to celebrate the awesome opportunity I've had to play football by giving back to the communities that have given me that gift," Long said in a statement. "Educational opportunity and equity are the best gateway to a better tomorrow for everyone in America."

Long signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Eagles during the offseason, including a $500,000 signing bonus and $1.5 million guaranteed. His base salary in 2017 is $1 million.

Long began his career in St. Louis with the Rams in 2008 and played for the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots last season.

The Chris Long Foundation announced the creation of the "Pledge 10 for Tomorrow" campaign, which hopes Long's donation will be matched by others at Pledgeit.org.

"As you may already know, I have committed my first 6 game checks to fund scholarships in my hometown of Charlottesville, VA. Now, I'm pledging my last 10 game checks to organizations supporting educational equity and opportunity in St. Louis, Boston and Philadelphia -- the three cities that I've called home throughout my NFL career," Long said on the fundraiser website. "I'm playing the entire 2017 NFL season without collecting income because I believe that education is the best gateway to a better tomorrow for EVERYONE in America. I'm encouraging fans, businesses and every person with a desire to join in my pursuit of equal education opportunities for all students to make their own pledge. My goal is that through this campaign my donation will be doubled by those inspired to join the effort -- because together we can accomplish more."

In six games this season, Long has two sacks, seven tackles and one forced fumble.