Howie Long

Born on January 6, 1960, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, Howard Matthew Moses "Howie" Long emerged as one of the most formidable defensive ends in the history of American football. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing in at 270 pounds, Long's imposing physical presence on the field was only matched by his tenacity, skill, and dedication to the game.

Long's football journey began at Villanova University, where he played as a standout defensive lineman from 1978 to 1980. His exceptional performance at the collegiate level caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Raiders.

From the moment he donned the silver and black, Long's impact on the Raiders' defense was immediate. Renowned for his explosive speed off the line of scrimmage, powerful bull rushes, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Howie Long became the linchpin of the Raiders' feared defensive unit during the 1980s.

Long's illustrious career spanned an impressive 13 seasons, all with the Raiders, from 1981 to 1993. Throughout this period, he garnered numerous accolades, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and being named to the First Team All-Pro three times. Long's prowess as a pass rusher was particularly evident in his impressive sack totals, consistently disrupting opposing offenses and leaving a lasting impact on every game he played.

A key component of the Raiders' triumph in Super Bowl XVIII in 1984, Howie Long's legacy was further solidified as he helped secure the franchise's third championship. His leadership on and off the field, coupled with his unmatched work ethic, earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

Beyond the gridiron, Howie Long transitioned seamlessly into a successful career in sports broadcasting. His charismatic personality and deep football knowledge made him a natural fit as an analyst on FOX NFL Sunday, where he has become a fixture in bringing the game to millions of fans each week.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Howie Long was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000, forever etching his name among the football legends. His impact on the game, both as a fearsome defensive end and a beloved broadcaster, cements Howie Long's place in football history as a true icon of the sport.

Howie Long, former Hall of Fame Defensive End for the Los Angeles Raiders, is currently best known for his position of in-studio analyst for the Emmy Award winning FOX NFL Sunday team. He was twice chosen Defensive Lineman of the Year. Long was elected to the Pro Bowl eight times, tying the Raiders’ all-time record. He was voted Seagrams Defensive Player of the Year by the NFL coaches and general managers in 1985. He has also been named to the first team of the “All Decade Team of the 80’s”.