APSE recognizes Go Long in beat coverage, feature writing

Thank you for making our journalism possible. Those stories inside if you missed them.

Good afternoon! And, hey, if the NFL’s grandiose Schedule Release Day doesn’t tickle your fancy, share your favorite football memory as a kid in the chat.

It’s been a quieter week here at Go Long, but for good reason. I promise. Friday morning, be on the lookout for my two-part series on a former NFL quarterback who’s dealt with far more in life and football than anyone realizes.

The more we chatted, the more his story blew me away.

What a decade it’s been for Kevin Kolb.

In the meantime, let’s pass along some good news. Go Long was recognized in the Associated Press Sports Editors’ annual awards, placing third in feature writing and fourth in beat coverage within the D category. A very cool honor that’s only possible because of your support. Anyone who makes this leap into independent journalism — at Substack and beyond — has no clue what to expect.

The fact that you make longform journalism part of your life is something I’ll never take for granted.

Your investment will always be put directly back into the company to report to tell stories around the country. From hanging out with those badass offensive linemen in Detroit, to learning about Tua Tagovailoa in Miami, to hearing Rachaad White’s wild life story in Tampa, to covering the Super Bowl and NFL Combine. Our family is also incredibly grateful. Ella’s napping but Sonny — currently taking in some “Muppets” on my lap — thanks you. Not sure what Edmund, our dog, thinks. He’s chasing a squirrel outside.

To our new subscribers, welcome! To those hanging out on the free list, feel free to upgrade any time. Many offseason projects are on tap:

Hope to see you during Friday night’s Happy Hour with Isaiah McKenzie. Never hesitate to introduce yourself and let me know what you want out of your subscription at golongtd@gmail.com. Thanks again, everyone.

Here are those stories acknowledged by APSE if you missed them in real time:

Feature Writing

Murder, cockroaches, belief: How Rachaad White bet on himself

Beat Writing

Tua Time, Part I: Belief

Tua Time, Part II: The Takeover

The Detroit Lions Must Break You, Part I: Life and death

The Detroit Lions Must Break You, Part II: Bringing the pain

'It was a bad, bad situation'

You don't know Yannick Ngakoue

The Morning After: Are the New England Patriots... good?

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Earlier this year, the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) also awarded our series on Erik Kramer third place in the features category. Those links if you’d like to read:

The Fight for Erik Kramer’s Life, Part I: A miracle

Part II: Victimized

Part III: A new man

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