Howie Long's NFL Career Overview Howie Long played his entire 13-year professional football career exclusively with the Raiders franchise in the NFL. Selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft out of Villanova, he began with the Oakland Raiders before the team relocated to Los Angeles, where he continued until his retirement in 1993. This loyalty to one team defined his Hall of Fame legacy, including a key role in their Super Bowl XVIII victory over the Washington Redskins.

Teams Breakdown

TeamYears PlayedKey Achievements
Oakland Raiders1981Debut season; drafted 48th overall
Los Angeles Raiders1982–1993Super Bowl XVIII champ; 8× Pro Bowl; 3× First-team All-Pro; 84 career sacks
[3][7][1] **Career Highlights and Impact** Long amassed 84 sacks, earned eight Pro Bowl nods, and was named NEA NFL co-Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 during his time with the Raiders. His versatility as a defensive end made him a cornerstone of dominant defenses, leading to his 2000 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Beyond the field, Long transitioned to broadcasting with Fox Sports and acting, while his sons Chris and Kyle followed in his NFL footsteps.

Why One Team? A Loyalty Story Unlike many players who switched teams for bigger contracts, Long stayed with the Raiders through their Oakland-to-L.A. move, embodying the franchise's gritty "Silver and Black" spirit under owner Al Davis. This commitment amplified his legend—imagine a defensive enforcer anchoring the line for over a decade, terrorizing quarterbacks like a relentless force. No trades, no free agency jumps; just pure Raider dedication.

Legacy Today Even in 2026, Long's Raider tenure remains a benchmark for franchise greats, with his No. 75 retired in fans' hearts. Recent Raiders spotlights and his Fox Sports role keep his story alive amid NFL playoff buzz.

TL;DR: Howie Long played solely for the Raiders (Oakland 1981, Los Angeles 1982-93), forging a Hall of Fame career.

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