Exeter’s Hunter Long makes first NFL TD catch in Jaguars debut

Hunter Long, a 2016 graduate of Exeter High School in New Hampshire, made his debut with the Jacksonville Jaguars a memorable one Sunday, Sept. 7.

Long, 27, caught his first touchdown reception in the NFL on a 6-yard throw by Trevor Lawrence in the second quarter of Jacksonville’s 26-10 win over the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium. It was Long’s only catch of the day, as well as his only target.

“We were so excited for him, and it was a great way to start the season,” said Jean Long, Hunter’s mother. “So happy we got to be there to see it.”

Hunter’s girlfriend, Layla, and his father, Steve, were also in attendance for the milestone reception.

Long, as a member of the Los Angeles Rams, scored a touchdown last year against the Buffalo Bills on a 22-yard fumble recovery.

Long signed a two-year $5 million contract, with a $6 million max value, free agent contract with the Jaguars last March.

Long, who helped lead the Blue Hawks to the 2015 Division I state final, played for the Miami Dolphins for two seasons before being traded to the Rams in 2023. He played at Boston College before entering the NFL.

In his four-year NFL career, Long now has nine catches for 76 yards.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Jay Pinsonnault, Portsmouth Herald / Portsmouth Herald.