Howie Long

Howie Long
Name	Howie Long
Caption	Long at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival
Position	Defensive end
Number	75
Birth date	6 January 1960
Birth place	Somerville, Massachusetts
Weight lb	268
High school	Milford (MA)
College	Villanova
Draft year	1981
Draft pick	48
Draft team	Oakland Raiders
Career start	1981
Career end	1993
Career team	Oakland Raiders / Los Angeles Raiders (1981–1993)
Highlights	* Super Bowl champion (XVIII) * 8× Pro Bowl (1983–1987, 1989, 1993, 1994) * NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985) * 2× First-team All-Pro (1983, 1985) * 2× Second-team All-Pro (1984, 1986) * NFL 1980s All-Decade Team * NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team * Pro Football Hall of Fame (2000) * College Football Hall of Fame (2014)

Howie Long is a former professional football player, sports broadcaster, and actor, renowned for his dominant career as a defensive end for the Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Raiders. A fearsome pass rusher and run stopper, he was a central figure in the Raiders' victory in Super Bowl XVIII and earned numerous individual accolades, including the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Following his retirement, Long transitioned seamlessly into a long-standing role as a studio analyst for Fox NFL Sunday and pursued a successful acting career in film and television.

Early life and college career

Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, Long was raised in Charlestown and attended Milford High School. He accepted a scholarship to play college football for the Villanova Wildcats under coach Dick Bedesem. At Villanova University, Long excelled as a defensive lineman, earning All-American honors and setting a school record for sacks. His standout collegiate career laid the foundation for his professional prospects and led to his eventual induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Professional football career

Selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Al Davis-owned Oakland Raiders, Long quickly became a cornerstone of a formidable defensive line. Playing alongside stars like Lyle Alzado and Greg Townsend, he helped anchor a defense that propelled the franchise to a championship victory in Super Bowl XVIII against the Washington Redskins. A perennial Pro Bowl selection and multiple-time All-Pro, Long's peak season came in 1985 when he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. He played his entire 13-year career with the Raiders organization, through its relocation to Los Angeles, and was named to both the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Broadcasting career

Upon retiring after the 1993 NFL season, Long immediately joined the Fox Broadcasting Company as a studio analyst for its Fox NFL Sunday pregame show. He has worked alongside hosts like Curt Menefee and analysts including Terry Bradshaw, Jimmy Johnson, and Michael Strahan. Known for his insightful, straightforward analysis and deep knowledge of defensive line play, Long has become one of the most recognizable and enduring faces in National Football League television coverage, earning multiple Sports Emmy Award nominations for his work.

Acting career

Parallel to his broadcasting success, Long has built a notable acting career. He made his film debut in the action thriller Broken Arrow starring John Travolta. He later appeared in major studio films such as Firestorm and the comedy 3000 Miles to Graceland. On television, he has made guest appearances on series including The Jeff Foxworthy Show and That '70s Show, often playing characters that leverage his formidable physical presence and everyman charisma.

Personal life

Long is married to Diane Addonizio, and they have three sons, all of whom pursued professional football careers. His sons Chris Long and Kyle Long both won Super Bowl championships, with Chris playing for the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, and Kyle for the Chicago Bears. The family maintains a residence in Virginia and is actively involved in various charitable endeavors. Long has also been a spokesman for brands like Campbell Soup Company and Chevrolet.

Legacy and honors

Long's legacy as one of the most dominant defensive linemen of his era was cemented with his first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. His iconic number 75 jersey is celebrated in Raiders lore, and his intensity on the field is remembered as a hallmark of the franchise's identity during the 1980s and early 1990s. His successful second act in broadcasting has made him a respected elder statesman of the sport, bridging generations for fans of the National Football League.

Category:American football defensive ends Category:Los Angeles Raiders players Category:Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Category:Fox Sports personalities Category:American film actors