Enjoy the now a little more. Being so focused on the future takes away from the joy and the memories that you're creating now. Learn to balance the two; planning for the future and living in the now.
David Long JR.
functional fitness, strength
Nashville, TN
David Long Jr. is one of the NFL’s rising stars, driven by purpose and a relentless desire to improve every time he steps onto the field. The former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and All-American linebacker has been is known for his ability to shed blocks and defend against the play action, as well as his patience and awareness in the secondary. His work ethic and commitment to consistent improvement set him apart, both on the field and in the gym.
- 2019 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year
- 2018 2nd Team All-American
- Tied West Virginia record for tackles for loss in a single game (7)
- Drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 6th round of the 2019 NFL Draft
10 MINUTES WITH DAVID
Q: WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR TWENTY-YEAR-OLD SELF?
Q: WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM FITNESS THAT HAVE SERVED YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE?
The biggest lesson I've learned is you never know what you're capable of until you push yourself to the limit. There's so much more greatness beyond that threshold.
Q: WITH ANY NEW MODALITY YOU GET INTO, HOW DO YOU APPROACH IT IN ORDER TO MASTER IT?
To master something, I feel you have to repeat it over and over. If I want to master something I have to mentally be all-in. That's where it starts and then that makes the rest of the transition smooth. I also am more of a visual learner so seeing someone explain or show me is all I need.
Q: WHAT'S THE ONE WORKOUT YOU ALWAYS DREAD?
Front and back squats.
Q: WHAT'S THE ONE WORKOUT YOU ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO? WHY?
Core / pull-ups because the core is very important to my game. It incorporates many of the body parts (back, hips, glutes, etc.)
Q: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE FAILURE? HOW HAS THAT SET YOU UP FOR LATER SUCCESS?
I no longer see it as a failure as it shaped me so much today as a player, but I would say falling to the 6th round of the draft definitely made the chip on my shoulder a little bigger. I really felt that I could play in this league like I did in college, and I proved myself right!
Q: WHAT IDEA, PERSON, OR BOOK HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL IN YOUR LIFE? WHY?
I would say my mother. She's a person that I've seen go through so much adversity and not complain. She always finds a way to get the job done, so I've always looked up to her and love that about her.
Q: WHY DO YOU PRIORITIZE FITNESS IN YOUR LIFE?
It is a priority because of my profession of course, but it has also helped me so much with my mental and overall health. It helps me attack the day, to win it the way I should.
