howie long
Howie Long is a former NFL star defensive end, longtime TV analyst, and occasional actor who became one of the defining football personalities of the 1980s and 1990s.
Who is Howie Long?
- Full name: Howard Matthew Moses Long.
- Born: January 6, 1960, in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
- Known for: Dominant defensive end with the Raiders, Pro Football Hall of Famer, and high-profile NFL studio analyst on FOX.
He played his entire 13-year NFL career with the Raiders franchise (Oakland/Los Angeles) and became a cornerstone of their tough defensive identity in the 1980s.
Quick career scoop
College and path to the NFL
- College: Villanova University, where he played football and earned a communications degree.
- At Villanova he was a four-year letterman, initially a tight end before moving to the defensive line, and he became a standout pass rusher.
- Draft: Selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft, 48th overall.
This mix of small‑school background and elite athleticism helped shape the narrative of Long as a hard-working, technically sharp lineman rather than just a raw physical freak.
NFL dominance with the Raiders
- Team: Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, 1981–1993.
- Position: Primarily defensive end, but he played across the defensive line and was known for his versatility.
- Super Bowl: Key defensive force in the Raiders’ win over Washington in Super Bowl XVIII after the 1983 season.
- Pro Bowls: 8 Pro Bowl selections.
- All-Pro: Multiple first-team All-Pro nods and a place on the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team as one of the two defensive ends.
- Awards: Recognized as NFL Defensive Player/Lineman of the Year by various organizations in the mid‑1980s.
- Stats: Credited with 91.5 career sacks, plus interceptions and fumble recoveries that underline his disruptive style.
By the time he retired, he was the last remaining Raider who had played for the team before the move to Los Angeles, a symbolic link between two eras of the franchise.
Hall of Fame and legacy
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2000, confirming his place among the all‑time great defensive linemen.
- Reputation: Known for power, leverage, hand use, and relentless motor, often cited as a prototype of the modern attacking 3–4/4–3 hybrid lineman.
His Hall of Fame status and longevity on national TV have made “Howie Long” one of the more recognizable names even to casual NFL fans decades after his playing career ended.
Broadcasting and media work
After retiring from football, Long smoothly transitioned into media and entertainment.
- FOX NFL SUNDAY: Analyst on FOX’s flagship NFL pregame show since its launch in 1994, making him one of the longest‑running studio voices in the sport.
- On-air style: Blends straightforward X‑and‑O insight with a calm, dry sense of humor; often plays the steady veteran presence alongside more animated personalities.
- Acting: Appeared in films like “Broken Arrow” (1996) and “3000 Miles to Graceland” (2001), usually in tough‑guy or military‑type roles.
This mix of Hollywood roles and weekly TV presence helped extend his brand well beyond hardcore football audiences.
Family and football connections
Howie Long is also part of a high‑profile football family.
- Sons:
- Chris Long – former NFL defensive end, two‑time Super Bowl champion (Patriots, Eagles).
- Kyle Long – former Pro Bowl offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears.
- Media crossover: He has appeared with his son Kyle in content like “The Kyle Long Show,” where they talk football, racing, and viral moments, showcasing a more relaxed father‑son dynamic.
The Long family often gets attention as an example of multi‑generation NFL success, on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Recent and trending context
- As of early 2026, Howie Long is still widely associated with FOX’s NFL coverage and with legacy discussions about great pass rushers of the 1980s.
- Clips of his appearances with his sons, especially on podcasts or crossover shows tied to NASCAR or football culture, circulate periodically and help keep him in trending sports conversation cycles.
While he’s not a daily “tabloid” figure, his name tends to spike around Hall of Fame discussions, Raiders anniversaries, and family‑related features involving Chris or Kyle.
Fast facts table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Howard Matthew Moses Long |
| Born | January 6, 1960, Charlestown, Massachusetts |
| College | Villanova University (communications major, defensive lineman) |
| NFL team | Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1981–1993) |
| Position | Defensive end (played across the line) |
| Draft | 1981, Round 2, Pick 48 (Raiders) |
| Super Bowls | Super Bowl XVIII champion vs. Washington |
| Pro Bowls | 8 selections |
| Hall of Fame | Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2000 |
| Post-career role | FOX NFL SUNDAY analyst since 1994 |
| Acting | Films such as “Broken Arrow,” “3000 Miles to Graceland” |