Howie Long Bio: Early Life and NFL Career
Howie Long was born on January 6, 1960, in Somerville, Massachusetts. He attended Milford High School and later played college football at Villanova University, where he earned All-East honors. Long was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft and played his entire 13-year career with the team through 1993. He was a two-time first-team All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive linemen of his era. His career totals include 84.5 official sacks, 1,117 tackles, and 20 fumble recoveries, cementing his place among the franchise's all-time greats Pro Football Reference stats.
Long was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 and named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. He finished his career with the Raiders after they relocated to Los Angeles and later returned to Oakland, retiring after the 1993 season. He was known for his versatility, playing both defensive end and tackle, and for his leadership on a Raiders defense that consistently ranked among the league's best Pro Football Hall of Fame profile.
Howie Long Net Worth and Business Ventures
Howie Long's net worth is estimated at approximately 16 million dollars, built through NFL contracts, broadcasting, and business investments. After retiring from football, he transitioned into a long-running career as a studio analyst for Fox Sports, serving as a lead NFL analyst on the network's top-rated pregame show. His broadcasting role has been a consistent source of income and visibility, contributing significantly to his long-term wealth accumulation.
Beyond broadcasting, Long has been involved in real estate and private business ventures, though he maintains a relatively low public profile on investment specifics. He has also generated income through memorabilia, speaking engagements, and brand partnerships tied to his Hall of Fame status. His financial profile reflects a disciplined post-career approach, with assets primarily tied to equity, real estate, and media contracts rather than high-risk speculative holdings.
Howie Long Family, Legacy, and Post-Career Influence
Howie Long is married to Diane Addonizio, and the couple has three sons, all of whom played college football. His youngest son, Chris Long, became a standout defensive end at the University of Virginia and was selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. Another son, Kyle Long, played in the NFL for the Chicago Bears and was a three-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman, reinforcing the family's multi-generational presence in professional football ESPN family feature.
Long's legacy extends beyond the field through his philanthropic efforts and role as a respected voice in sports media. He has been involved with various charitable organizations and remains a prominent figure in NFL broadcasting, where his analytical style and concise delivery have set a standard for NFL coverage. His career trajectory from dominant defensive player to stable media personality offers a clear model of post-NFL wealth building and brand management Forbes net worth overview.