Howie Long
Howie Long
Howie Long is a renowned former professional American football player, actor, and sports analyst. Born on January 6, 1960, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, Long carved out a distinguished career in the National Football League (NFL) as a defensive lineman for the Los Angeles Raiders, now known as the Las Vegas Raiders.
Early Life and Education
Long grew up in Boston, where he developed an early passion for sports. He attended Villanova University, where he played college football and earned a degree in communications. His impressive performance at Villanova led to his selection by the Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft.
NFL Career
Howie Long's tenure with the Raiders, spanning from 1981 to 1993, was marked by remarkable achievements. As a defensive end, he was a key player in the Raiders' victory in Super Bowl XVIII, and he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985. Known for his strength and agility on the field, Long was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
Broadcasting Career
After retiring from professional football, Long transitioned into broadcasting. In 1994, he joined the Fox Network as a studio analyst for their NFL coverage. His insights and straightforward style have made him a staple on Fox NFL Sunday, where he often plays the "straight man" alongside co-host Terry Bradshaw.
For a brief period in the early 2000s, Long also hosted "Howie Long's Tough Guys," an annual award show on Fox that honored the toughest players in the NFL.
Acting Career
In addition to his sports and broadcasting careers, Long has pursued acting. He appeared in several films, most notably the 1996 film Broken Arrow (1996 film), where his character's death scene became widely known for the "Howie scream," a stock sound effect. He also starred in the 1998 action film Firestorm (1998 film).
Personal Life
Long is married to Diane Addonizio, and together they have three sons: Chris, Kyle, and Howie Jr. Chris Long followed in his father's footsteps, playing eleven seasons in the NFL and winning two Super Bowls. Kyle Long also pursued a career in the NFL as a guard. Howie Jr. works in player personnel for the Raiders, continuing the family legacy within professional football. Long is a devout Roman Catholic.