Craig Allen Long
March 24, 1970 - February 10, 2007
"Craig Long, A Difference Maker"
As quoted by Rich Gannon, 2002 NFL MVP
A note from Allison Long...
I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued thoughts, prayers, heartwarming
stories and kind words.   I don't know how I could have made it to this point without the love and
support of my family, extended family and friends (with special thanks to HSBC, The Oakland Raiders,
and Craig’s Pike Fraternity brothers).   The love and support I have received by so many of you is
something I will forever be thankful for.  Without you, my girls and I would not have had the strength to
be where we are today.   

I will never know, nor understand why Craig was taken away from us.   He was much more than my
husband… he was my best friend, my soul mate and most importantly, Ava and Eve’s daddy.   The
seven years I spent will him were far too short; but contained the laughter, love and good times to fill a
lifetime.   I will cherish each and every moment and continue to remind our daughters what an amazing
person their daddy was (and is).   

As you know, it has been nearly a year since Craig’s passing.   Some say time heals all wounds but I
disagree.   Nothing can heal how I and so many others continue to feel.  Ava will forever cry for her
daddy, her sister Evelyn wonders what it is like to have her daddy hold her, and my heart will forever
ache for my best friend.   All I can do is continue to embrace the grieving process, hug my daughters,
cherish the memories, learn from my mistakes, live life to the fullest and know that he is with us every
step of the way.  

So many people have asked what they can do.  I have something I want you to do….   

Go home, hug your spouse or loved one, kiss your children, tell then you love them and don’t let go!  
Cherish every moment and live life to the fullest as you NEVER know when it will be taken away from
you.   Trust me… we had no warning, we have no second chances.   I would give anything in the world to
look in his eyes one more time and tell him I love him.   

Of course, he would probably do a “Craig Long signature wrestling move” on me instead!  

Thank you taking the time to view this tribute site created in memory of Craig Allen Long.

This website is a continual “work in progress”.  Please check in often and send us any pictures, stories,
memories or comments to share.  

Thank you & God bless,

Allison, Ava & Evelyn Craig Long (Eve)
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Craig and Jim Otto, NFL Hall of Fame
" I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,  
life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

Maya Angelou
Craig Allen Long
March 24, 1970 - February 10, 2007
Allison Louise Long
March 17, 1975 - April 14, 2009