Howie Long

Howie Long (born January 6, 1960) is a former professional American football defensive end, sports commentator, and actor. He played primarily for the Oakland Raiders and the Los Angeles Raiders in the National Football League (NFL), earning recognition as one of the premier defensive linemen of the 1980s and early 1990s. After retiring, he transitioned to a broadcasting career with FOX Sports and pursued acting roles in film and television.

Early life and education

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Long grew up in a New England environment shaped by local institutions such as East Boston High School and the community surrounding Logan International Airport. His family background links to regional neighborhoods and parish communities in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, where youth athletics programs and high school football traditions influenced his early development. Long attended Xavier High School (Maine) as a prep athlete before matriculating to Villanova University, where he combined collegiate athletics with liberal arts curricula offered by the university. At Villanova, he studied alongside notable student-athletes and took part in programs affiliated with the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision competition.

College and NFL career

At Villanova Wildcats football, Long emerged as a productive defensive lineman, attracting the attention of NFL scouts who monitored games across the Big East Conference and other collegiate conferences. He entered the 1981 NFL Draft and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round, joining teammates and coaches connected to the franchise's storied history, including figures associated with the Al Davis era. During his tenure with the Raiders, which included the franchise's relocation to Los Angeles and eventual return to Oakland, Long played under defensive coordinators and alongside linemates who were prominent in the league, participating in regular-season campaigns, NFL playoffs, and matchups against franchises such as the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers. He retired following the 1993 NFL season after a career that spanned more than a decade with the Raiders organization.

Playing style and accomplishments

Long was noted for a combination of size, athleticism, and technique typical of elite defensive ends of his era, featuring pass-rush moves and run-stopping capability deployed against opponents from teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. His accolades include selection to multiple Pro Bowl rosters and recognition on All-Pro teams, reflecting peer and media evaluation during seasons defined by matchups with quarterbacks from the New York Giants and Chicago Bears. Long earned a reputation comparable to contemporaries such as Reggie White, Bruce Smith, and Dexter Manley in discussions of premier pass rushers, and his career figures placed him among franchise leaders in sacks and tackles-for-loss during his playing years. His performance contributed to Raiders defenses that faced championship contenders in the AFC and NFC, and his on-field achievements later informed conversations around eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Broadcasting and media career

After retiring from play, Long transitioned to sports media and entertainment, joining FOX Sports as a studio analyst for programs covering the National Football League and contributing to NFL pregame shows that broadcast from studios and on-site venues across the league. He also served as a commentator and analyst during network productions that included partnerships with entities such as NFL Network and participated in special broadcasts tied to marquee events like the Super Bowl. Beyond sports broadcasting, Long pursued acting with appearances in films and television series alongside performers and directors affiliated with Hollywood studios and production companies; notable projects included roles that paired him with actors from franchises like Die Hard and motion pictures featuring athletes turned actors. He further lent his voice and persona to commercial endorsements and promotional campaigns involving sports brands and media properties.

Personal life and legacy

Long is married to Dorothy Long and is the patriarch of a family that includes sons who pursued professional football careers, most notably Chris Long and Kyle Long, both of whom played in the NFL and appeared on rosters for teams such as the St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots, and Chicago Bears. His family connections extend into philanthropic activities and foundations associated with player welfare and community outreach within metropolitan areas like Boston and Los Angeles. Long's legacy encompasses both his on-field contributions with the Raiders and off-field influence through broadcasting, mentoring, and public visibility; his career is cited in histories of the franchise and in broader surveys of defensive linemen from the 1980s and 1990s. He has been acknowledged in ceremonies and alumni events hosted by institutions including Villanova University and NFL alumni associations. Category:1960 births Category:Living people Category:American football defensive ends Category:Oakland Raiders players Category:Villanova Wildcats football players