Howie Long, American football player and sports commentator

Howie Long, born Howard Matthew Moses Long on January 6, 1960, has forged a truly multifaceted career, distinguishing himself across three prominent fields. Beyond his celebrated tenure as a dominant American football defensive end, Long successfully transitioned into acting and established himself as a highly respected sports analyst, making him a unique and recognizable personality in the realm of professional sports and entertainment.

An Illustrious NFL Career with the Raiders

Long's professional football journey unfolded entirely within the National Football League (NFL), where he dedicated an impressive 13 seasons to a single franchise: the iconic Raiders. He was a cornerstone of the team during its years in both Oakland and Los Angeles, embodying the Raiders' fierce and uncompromising identity rooted in a "Commitment to Excellence."

A Dominant Force on the Defensive Line

Selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft, Howie Long quickly proved to be a pivotal acquisition. As a defensive end, his primary role involved disrupting opposing offenses, pressuring quarterbacks, and stopping runs – tasks at which he excelled with exceptional power, speed, and technique. His consistent high-level performance earned him widespread recognition across the league.

Throughout his illustrious career, Long garnered numerous accolades, reflecting his status as one of the NFL's premier defensive players. He was selected for the prestigious Pro Bowl eight times, an honor reserved for the league's top performers at each position, chosen by players, coaches, and fans. Furthermore, his exceptional play resulted in three first-team All-Pro selections, designating him as an undisputed top player in the entire league at his position during those seasons, a testament to his sustained excellence.

Super Bowl XVIII Champion

One of the pinnacles of Long's playing career came in Super Bowl XVIII. As a vital component of the Raiders' formidable defense, he played a crucial role in the team's dominant victory. The Los Angeles Raiders, under coach Tom Flores, decisively defeated the Washington Redskins by a score of 38-9 in a memorable contest held on January 22, 1984, securing the franchise's third Super Bowl championship and Long's only Super Bowl ring. His contributions to this championship run solidified his legacy as a winner.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement

In recognition of his outstanding contributions and enduring impact on the game, Howie Long was deservedly inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 2000. This enshrinement represents the ultimate honor for an American football player, placing him among the sport's all-time greatest legends and affirming his indelible place in NFL history.

Post-Playing Endeavors: Acting and Broadcasting

Following his impactful NFL career, Howie Long skillfully pivoted to new professional avenues, demonstrating his versatility beyond the football field.

From Gridiron to Silver Screen

Long embarked on an acting career, appearing in several films and television productions. While his primary post-NFL focus shifted to sports analysis, his ventures into acting, including notable roles in action films such as "Broken Arrow" (1996) alongside John Travolta and Christian Slater, showcased his broader appeal and charisma to a wider audience.

A Prominent Voice in Sports Broadcasting

His most enduring post-playing role has been in sports broadcasting. Howie Long serves as a long-standing and respected studio analyst for Fox Sports' extensive NFL coverage. As a key member of their pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows, he provides insightful commentary, leveraging his deep understanding of the game as a former elite player. His articulate analysis, engaging on-screen presence, and often humorous banter have made him a familiar and trusted voice for millions of football fans every Sunday during the NFL season, contributing significantly to the network's flagship programming.

A Notable NFL Family Legacy

Adding another unique dimension to his story, Howie Long is also distinguished as the patriarch of a notable NFL family, a rare and remarkable occurrence in professional sports where multiple generations achieve significant success at the highest level.

He is the proud father of two sons who have also achieved significant success in the National Football League:

The collective success of Howie, Chris, and Kyle Long in the NFL makes them one of the most decorated and recognized families in American professional sports history, a true football dynasty.

Frequently Asked Questions About Howie Long

What position did Howie Long play in the NFL?
Howie Long played defensive end throughout his entire 13-season NFL career. This position is crucial for pass rushing, disrupting offensive plays, and defending against the run.
Which NFL team did Howie Long play for?
Howie Long spent his entire NFL career with the Raiders franchise, playing for them when they were in both Oakland and Los Angeles. He was a loyal, one-team player.
Did Howie Long win a Super Bowl?
Yes, Howie Long won one Super Bowl title. He was a key defensive player for the Los Angeles Raiders when they comprehensively defeated the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII in 1984.
Is Howie Long in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Yes, Howie Long was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000, recognizing his status as one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history and an all-time legend of the game.
Who are Howie Long's sons?
Howie Long has two sons who also played in the NFL: Chris Long, a defensive end who won two Super Bowls, and Kyle Long, an offensive guard who was a three-time Pro Bowler, making them a unique NFL family.
What is Howie Long's current role with Fox Sports?
Howie Long serves as a prominent and long-standing studio analyst for Fox Sports' NFL coverage. He provides expert commentary and analysis during their pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows, particularly on "FOX NFL Sunday."