If you’ve spent any time following the NFL over the last decade, you know Chris Long isn't your average retired defensive end. He’s the guy who gave away an entire year’s salary to charity, hosts one of the most successful sports podcasts in the world, and generally stays more relevant than most guys who’ve hung up the cleats. But whenever Chris pops up in the news or on a viral clip from Green Light, people naturally start wondering about the woman behind the scenes. Specifically, who is Chris Long wife and how did this powerhouse couple actually meet?
Her name is Megan O'Malley.
Honestly, she’s much more than just a "WAG" or a supportive spouse on the sidelines. In the world of Charlottesville, Virginia, and the broader sports community, Megan is a respected athlete in her own right with a family legacy that rivals the Long football dynasty.
The University of Virginia Connection
The story doesn't start in a VIP lounge or through a high-end dating app. It starts in Charlottesville. Chris and Megan are the quintessential University of Virginia (UVA) success story. While Chris was busy becoming a dominant force on the football field—eventually going No. 2 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft—Megan was a standout star on the UVA women’s lacrosse team.
They were college sweethearts.
It’s easy to forget that before she was Chris Long wife, Megan was a two-time All-American. She played for the Cavaliers from 2004 to 2007. If you look at her stats, she wasn't just "on the team." She was a force. We’re talking about a midfielder who helped lead her team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. This wasn't a case of a star athlete dating a fan; it was a pairing of two elite competitors who understood the grind of Division I sports.
That shared background is probably why they’ve lasted so long. The NFL lifestyle is brutal. It’s a nomadic existence where you might be in St. Louis one year, New England the next, and Philadelphia after that. Having a partner who understands the physical toll and the psychological pressure of high-stakes sports is a massive advantage.
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A Family Built on Sports History
If you think the Long family has a deep athletic bench because of Howie Long, wait until you look at the O’Malleys.
Megan comes from a serious sports lineage. Her father is Joe O’Malley, who played professional baseball for the Atlanta Braves organization. The athletic DNA in their household is almost unfair. When you combine a Hall of Fame football father-in-law (Howie) and a professional baseball-playing father, the expectations for the next generation are pretty high.
But they seem to handle it with a lot of grace.
They got married in 2013. The wedding took place in Charlottesville, which makes sense given that it's where their story began. Since then, they've navigated the chaotic waters of a pro football career that included two Super Bowl rings—one with the New England Patriots and one with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Life Beyond the NFL Sidelines
What does life look like now? For Megan and Chris, it’s about family and philanthropy. They have two sons, Waylon and Luke. If you follow Chris on social media, you’ll see the occasional glimpse into their lives, but they are surprisingly private compared to most "celebrity" couples.
Megan has been a cornerstone of the Chris Long Foundation.
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When Chris decided to donate his entire 2017 salary to promote educational equity, that wasn't just a solo decision. That’s the kind of move that requires a partner who is 100% on board with the bigger picture. The foundation focuses on things like clean water (the Waterboys initiative) and early childhood education. Megan hasn't just been a face in the crowd; she’s been deeply involved in the logistical and emotional heavy lifting of these projects.
Why People Get the "Wife of an Athlete" Narrative Wrong
Most people assume the life of an NFL wife is all glamour. Private jets, Super Bowl parties, and endless leisure.
The reality? It’s stressful.
Megan was there for the lean years in St. Louis. She was there for the injuries. She was there for the moves across the country. Through it all, she maintained her own identity. She didn’t just become an extension of Chris’s brand. Even though she’s less active in the public eye than Chris—who basically lives on a microphone these days—her influence on his career trajectory is undeniable.
Chris has often joked or mentioned in interviews how Megan is the "real" athlete of the family or the one who keeps things grounded. It’s a common trope, sure, but in their case, the accolades back it up.
The Charlottesville Home Base
While many retired players head for the bright lights of Los Angeles or the tax havens of Florida, Chris and Megan stayed true to their roots. They moved back to the Charlottesville area.
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It’s where they feel most at home.
This move says a lot about who they are. They aren't chasing fame. They’ve built a life centered around the community that raised them. You’ll often find them supporting UVA athletics or working on local charitable initiatives. They’ve managed to do something very few NFL couples achieve: they transitioned from the league to "normal" life without losing their sense of self.
A Quick Reality Check on the "Famous Wife" Dynamic
It’s worth noting that Megan stays off the "influencer" path.
In an era where every spouse of a professional athlete feels pressured to start a YouTube channel or a lifestyle brand, Megan O'Malley has stayed low-key. She doesn't post "get ready with me" videos. She doesn't do sponsored content for detox teas. That level of privacy is rare and, frankly, refreshing. It makes her more relatable to the fans who have followed Chris since his early days with the Rams.
Summary of the O'Malley-Long Impact
When you search for Chris Long wife, you aren't just finding a spouse. You’re finding a former elite athlete, a mother of two, and a philanthropic leader.
- Elite Athlete: Former All-American Lacrosse player at UVA.
- Support System: Navigated 11 seasons in the NFL across three different cities.
- Philanthropist: Integral part of the Waterboys and educational equity missions.
- Family First: Raising two boys in Virginia, away from the Hollywood noise.
How to Follow Their Work
If you want to see the impact this couple is making, don't just look for paparazzi photos. Look at the data. The Waterboys initiative has funded over 100 wells in East Africa. That is a tangible, life-changing legacy that far outlasts any Super Bowl trophy.
If you're interested in the "real" side of the NFL and the families that make it work, Megan O'Malley is the blueprint. She proves that you can be half of a high-profile couple while maintaining your own integrity, history, and goals.
Next Steps for Readers:
To truly understand the impact Megan and Chris have, check out the Chris Long Foundation website. Instead of just reading about their personal lives, look at the "Waterboys" project. It’s a great example of how a sports power couple can use their platform for something that actually matters. You can also listen to the Green Light podcast, where Chris occasionally drops anecdotes about their family life that give you a much better sense of their dynamic than any tabloid ever could. For those looking into Virginia sports history, the UVA athletic archives still hold records of Megan’s time on the lacrosse field—worth a look if you appreciate the history of the game.