Won the 1971 Len Eshmont Award, given to the San Francisco 49er each year who represents the "inspirational and courageous play" of former player Len Eshmont.
After leaving the NFL he went on work as a contractor and with the Chesapeake, Virginia Sheriff's Department.
Was a star football player at Oscar Smith High School in South Norfolk, Virginia in the late 1950s, and a state champion heavyweight wrestler despite his school's lack of a wrestling program.
Oscar Smith High School in South Norfolk,, Virginia named its football field, Beard-DeLong-Easley Field, in his honor.
Was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.