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Mel Long

Defensive Tackle

Inducted 1998

Date of Birth

11/22/1946

Birthplace

Toledo, OH

School

University of Toledo (1969-1971)

Bio

Mel Long entered the University of Toledo as a Vietnam War veteran, a Marine with combat decorations. He left with a reputation as the greatest lineman in the history of the Mid-American Conference. He stood 6-1, weighed 230, and played defensive tackle. Toledo led the nation in total defensive statistics all three years. In his senior year UT gave up less than 180 yards a game. Toledo won the conference all three years. The 1969 team went 11-0 and beat Davidson 56-35 in the Tangerine Bowl. In 1970, the record was 12-0 with a victory over William and Mary 40-22 in the Tangerine Bowl. And in 1971, it was 12-0 (giving Toledo a 35-0 record for 3 years) and victory over Richmond (28-3) in the Tangerine Bowl. Long made All-America in 1970 and 1971, a consensus choice the last year. He played two years for Frank Lauterbur and one for John Murphy. Then came four years with the Cleveland Browns, followed by a career as foreman in an oil refinery.