Don Long was born in Philadelphia on October 18, 1966. Don has an elder sister Michelle, an elder borther Cordell, and a baby brother Anthony. Don was raised in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. In 1985, Don moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where he joined a local gym, and started lifting weights. Don initially got into weight training because he was dancing, and you needed to have a body for dancing.

In March 1991, Don entered into his first contest, the Mr. Pennsylvania Natural, where he placed second. A month after the contest, Don met his future wife, Yvette. It was love at first sight, and they were married eight months later on December 9, 1991.

In 1992, Don finished fifth as a light-heavyweight at the NPC Junior Nationals, where he weighed 194 pounds. In 1993, Don finished  fourth  at the NPC Nationals, weighing 224 pounds,  In 1994  at the NPC Nationals, Don weighed 241 pounds, and  although he  was ripped, he lost to Paul DeMayo, and Craig Titus.  And  in 1995... Don became an IFBB Professional.

Don Long at the 1999 Arnold