Howie Long

Howie Long – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the life and legacy of Howie Long—his journey from Charlestown to NFL stardom, his post-football broadcasting and acting career, and his most powerful quotes. Explore the biography, philosophy, and lessons from one of America’s legendary defensive ends.

Introduction

Howie Long (born January 6, 1960) is an American football icon whose career as a defensive end redefined toughness, consistency, and leadership on the gridiron. After 13 seasons with the Raiders, Long successfully transitioned into broadcasting and acting, extending his influence beyond the field. His story is one of grit, adaptation, and continued relevance—and today, his voice remains a fixture in the NFL world.

In this article, we explore Howie Long’s early life, football career, post-playing pursuits, and enduring legacy. We also collect some of his most memorable quotes and highlight lessons we can draw from his life.

Early Life and Family

Howard Matthew Moses Long was born on January 6, 1960, in Somerville, Massachusetts, and grew up in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston.

Though rooted in Boston’s urban environment, Long spent much of his upbringing with his uncles and maternal grandmother, who played a central role in his early life.

From a young age, Long was athletic and versatile. In high school at Milford High School (Massachusetts), he lettered in football, basketball, and track & field (notably shot put, discus, and javelin). Interestingly, he only began playing football at age 15, yet made rapid progress.

Long also demonstrated prowess in strength events: he set state records in the shot put and discus during his high school years.

In his personal life, Howie met Diane Addonizio while at Villanova, and the couple married in 1982. They have three sons:

• Chris Long, who became a successful NFL defensive end and two-time Super Bowl champion

• Kyle Long, an NFL guard

• Howie Jr., who has been involved in NFL personnel work.

Long is Catholic, and continues to maintain ties to community and charitable work, including involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Youth and Education

At Villanova University (1977–1980), Long became a standout on the Wildcats’ football team. He earned his degree in communications while also competing in football, eventually making a name for himself on defense.

Though he began at tight end and even nose guard early in his college career, he was eventually shifted to defensive end, where he would fully flourish.

• As a freshman, he started every game, totaling 99 tackles.

• In 1978, he recorded 78 tackles and led Villanova in sacks (5).

• During his junior season, he was slowed by injury and missed several games, but still logged 46 tackles when healthy.

• In his senior year (1980), he again led the team with 84 tackles and multiple sacks, earning All-East honors.

Long also boxed collegiately, reportedly winning the Northern Collegiate Heavyweight Boxing Championship.

His performance and versatility made him an intriguing NFL prospect.

Career and Achievements

NFL Career with the Raiders

In the 1981 NFL Draft, Howie Long was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round (48th overall).

Long became a dominant presence on the defensive line. Some of his key career achievements:

• 8× Pro Bowl selections (1983–1987, 1989, 1992, 1993)

• 3× First-team All-Pro (1983, 1984, 1985) plus 2× Second-team All-Pro (1986, 1989)

• Named co-Defensive Player of the Year by NEA in 1985, earning the George Halas Trophy

• Victory in Super Bowl XVIII (1983 season) with the Raiders over the Washington Redskins

• Career totals: approximately 93 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions (84 interception return yards)

Long’s signature defensive move was often described as a “rip” — a quick, uppercut-style motion to shed blockers and control leverage.

In his prime (1983–1986), the Raiders defense was a formidable unit: between 1983 and 1986, the team recorded 249 sacks, tying with the Bears for the NFL’s best over that span.

He was also named by Pro Football Weekly (PFW) as one of the ends on its All-time 3–4 defensive front, an honor reflecting his status among elite defenders.

By the time Long retired after the 1993 season, he was one of the few remaining players who had been with the franchise before its move to Los Angeles.

Post-Playing: Broadcasting & Acting

Long had prepared early for life after football. In 1986, he told Inside Sports that he intended to stay involved in the sport via broadcasting.

After retiring, Long launched a media and acting career:

• He became a studio analyst for Fox Sports’ NFL coverage, often playing the “straight man” to the more bombastic personalities (like Terry Bradshaw)

• He won a Sports Emmy Award in 1996 as “Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst”

• He hosted “Howie Long’s Tough Guys”, an annual award show honoring NFL players known for toughness, awarding them a Chevrolet truck.

• Long is the author of Football for Dummies, helping lay audiences understand the sport’s fundamentals.

In film, Long made appearances in both action and dramatic roles, including:

• Broken Arrow

• Firestorm

• 3000 Miles to Graceland (he also had a cameo in That Thing You Do! in an extended cut)

He also appeared in commercials for major brands (Nike, Coca-Cola, Honda, etc.).

Long remains a visible media presence, and his commentary reputation is built on experience, authenticity, and his no-nonsense approach.

Historical Milestones & Context

• When he joined the Raiders in 1981, the team was becoming a dynasty under owner Al Davis and coach Tom Flores. Long’s arrival came just before the Raiders’ Super Bowl run.

• His peak years in the mid-1980s paralleled an era of dominant defensive sides in the NFL, and his consistent performance against the rising offensive stars of that era earned him comparisons to elite defenders.

• His selection to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team underscores how he is viewed among the best in that era.

• In 2000, Howie Long was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy among the NFL’s all-time greats.

Throughout, Long bridged eras—from the rugged, less-protected game of the 1980s to the more pass-happy modern NFL—bringing toughness, technique, and professionalism.

Legacy and Influence

Howie Long’s influence spans multiple dimensions:

1. On-field legacy
   He is remembered as one of the most reliable, technically sound, and aggressive defensive ends of his generation. His consistently high level of play over a long career set a standard for durability and excellence.

2. Media & cultural bridge
   Very few elite players transition to successful broadcasting careers; Long’s work at Fox made him a familiar voice to NFL fans for decades, bridging generations of fans.

3. Father of NFL lineage
   Long’s sons—Chris and Kyle—followed his footsteps into the league, adding to his personal football dynasty. Chris Long, in particular, carved a decorated career and contributed to his father’s legacy narrative.

4. Mentor and role model
   Through philanthropy and public appearances, Long remains active in youth development and community efforts, embodying the principle that athletes can use their platforms for positive impact.

His legacy is not just measured by stats or fame, but by his consistency, adaptability, and the respect he commands in multiple spheres.

Personality and Talents

Howie Long’s personality can be described through several traits:

• Grit and toughness: He earned his reputation through a combination of physicality and mental resilience.

• Adaptability: Transitioning from a professional athlete to a broadcaster and actor shows versatility.

• Professionalism: In media, he has been known for thoughtful analysis, humility, and letting the game speak.

• Integrity: He seldom engages in sensationalism, favoring authenticity.

• Leadership: On and off the field, his approach inspires respect.

Long’s athletic talents extended beyond football—he was a multi-sport high school athlete and a collegiate boxer, demonstrating his broad physical skill set.

Famous Quotes of Howie Long

Here are a selection of memorable quotes that reflect his mindset, values, and perspective:

• “Sports ideally teach discipline and commitment. They challenge you and build character for everything you do in life.”

• “I just play hard-hitting football, but at least I look the opponent in the face before I hit him.”

• “I was lucky to make a lot of money in football, and broadcasting is succeeding beyond my wildest dreams, so I’m in the position to say no to a lot of things.”

• “When I went to the Hall of Fame in 2000 and was inducted, it was a travesty the kind of carnage I saw out of these guys who were in their 50s and 60s, who had defined and in many ways laid the foundation for the NFL being what it is today.”

• “I think it’s important for fans to be involved in all aspects of the game. We saw the league certainly make that move towards involving fans with Pro Bowl voting…”

Each of these reflects his grounded yet candid approach.

Lessons from Howie Long

From Howie Long’s life and career, several lessons stand out:

1. Hard work and late starts still can lead to greatness
   Even though Long began playing football late (around age 15), his dedication, discipline, and physical gifts carried him to elite levels.

2. Adapt and evolve
   He did not rest on his football success—he prepared and moved into a second act in media and acting, showing that reinvention is possible.

3. Consistency over flash
   Long didn’t need flamboyant gimmicks; he let performance, dependability, and professionalism define him.

4. Use your platform
   He leveraged fame to help others through charity and mentorship, recognizing that athletes have influence beyond sport.

5. Balance humility with ambition
   Long’s quotes and actions reflect humility but also a clear view of goals, refusing to settle even after great success.

Conclusion

Howie Long’s journey from Charlestown to NFL legend to media presence is a testament to resilience, intelligence, and character. He proved that excellence on the field need not limit one’s future—indeed, it can become a foundation for broader impact.

As you reflect on Long’s life, quotes, and lessons, consider how discipline, adaptation, and integrity apply in your own journey. And if you're ever curious to dive deeper—into his analysis on a big game, or revisit some of his best on-field moments—there’s much to explore in the ongoing legacy of Howie Long.