When you hear the name Howie Long, your thoughts probably go straight to the football field, to a Hall of Fame player who truly made his mark on the game. He's someone whose presence was felt during every play, a true standout for the Raiders over many years. His career with the silver and black, as they call it, really shaped a whole era of defensive play. We are, you know, talking about a figure whose athletic ability was pretty undeniable, and whose dedication to his team was always on full display.
This particular individual, Howard Matthew Moses Long, has quite a story to tell, stretching from his early days in Massachusetts all the way to the bright lights of professional football and then, actually, into the world of entertainment and sports commentary. His journey, you could say, is a testament to what someone can achieve with a lot of skill and, well, a good deal of hard work. He truly left a big impression wherever he went, whether it was chasing down quarterbacks or, you know, appearing on screen. It’s a pretty interesting path, all things considered.
So, we'll take some time to explore the different parts of his life and career, from his playing days where he helped his team achieve big wins, to his life after football where he took on different kinds of roles. We'll also touch upon some of the recognitions he received for his time in the sport. It's really about celebrating a person who, as a matter of fact, contributed so much to the game and beyond. You might find some of the details about his professional life quite fascinating, too it's almost a complete picture of a public figure.
Table of Contents
- Who is Howie Long? A Look at a Football Legend
- What Made Howie Long Such a Special Player?
- How Did Howie Long Contribute to His Team's Success?
- Beyond the Field - Howie Long's Other Pursuits
- What Roles Did Howie Long Take On After Playing?
- A Legacy Remembered - Howie Long's Place in History
- When Was Howie Long Honored for His Career?
- What Surprising Move Did the Raiders Make with Howie Long?
Who is Howie Long? A Look at a Football Legend
Howard Matthew Moses Long, born on January 6, 1960, is a person whose name brings up thoughts of powerful plays and a strong presence on the football field. He spent a significant portion of his life involved with professional football, specifically as a defensive end. His time playing the game stretched out for thirteen seasons, which, you know, is quite a long run for anyone in such a physically demanding sport. All of those seasons were spent with one team, the Raiders, who played in both Oakland and Los Angeles during his tenure. It's pretty interesting how he stuck with one organization for his whole playing career, demonstrating a real sense of loyalty, you might say.
He was, in a way, a cornerstone of the Raiders' defense for well over a decade. When you look at his statistics, they tell a story of consistent effort and an ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He managed to record eighty-four sacks during his time, which is a big number for a defensive player. Beyond just getting to the quarterback, he also had a knack for getting the ball back for his team, recovering ten fumbles. And, you know, for someone playing on the defensive line, picking off two passes is quite a remarkable feat, too it's almost unheard of for some players in his position. These numbers, really, paint a picture of a player who was always around the action, making things happen for his side.
Personal Details about Howie Long
| Full Name | Howard Matthew Moses Long |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA |
| Primary Profession | Former Professional Football Defensive End |
| Other Known Roles | Actor, Writer, Sports Analyst |
| Teams Played For | Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (entire career) |
What Made Howie Long Such a Special Player?
What truly set Howie Long apart on the football field was his remarkable ability to adapt and play different spots along the defensive line. You see, he wasn't just good at one thing; he could, as a matter of fact, play all five defensive line positions. This kind of versatility is quite rare in professional football, where players often specialize in just one or two roles. His capacity to move around and still be highly effective made him a real problem for opposing teams, who never quite knew where he'd be lining up or what kind of pressure he'd bring. It gave his team a lot of options, which is pretty useful.
His presence on the field was, you know, a constant threat to offensive schemes. Because he could play anywhere from the nose tackle position, right in the middle, to the defensive end spot on the outside, he could create mismatches and disrupt plays in various ways. This adaptability meant coaches could use him in many different formations and situations, always looking for the best way to get him into the backfield. He really was, in a way, a player who could do it all when it came to defensive line play, making him a true standout in the game. It just goes to show how much skill he had, actually.
How Did Howie Long Contribute to His Team's Success?
Howie Long joined the Oakland Raiders as a second-round pick in the 1981 NFL draft, and he quickly became a key part of their defense. His arrival helped usher in a period of significant success for the team. He was, as a matter of fact, a major contributor to the Raiders winning two Super Bowl titles during his time there. Being a part of even one Super Bowl victory is a huge accomplishment for any player, but to be a central figure in two of them really speaks volumes about his impact and leadership on the field. He played a big role in those championship seasons, too it's almost hard to imagine those teams without him.
Beyond the team's ultimate successes, Howie Long was also consistently recognized for his individual excellence. He was chosen to play in the Pro Bowl, which is an honor given to the league's best players, eight separate times during his career. This repeated selection shows just how highly regarded he was by his peers and coaches across the league. It means that, you know, year after year, he was considered among the very top performers at his position. This kind of consistent high-level play is what truly sets some athletes apart, and he certainly demonstrated that quality throughout his time playing the game. He was, basically, a top-tier player for a long time.
Beyond the Field - Howie Long's Other Pursuits
After his playing days came to an end, Howie Long didn't simply fade away from the public eye. Instead, he transitioned into other areas, showing that his talents extended beyond just football. He became involved in the entertainment business, taking on roles as both an actor and a writer. This shift is, you know, pretty interesting for someone who spent so much time in a physically demanding sport. It shows a different side to his personality and a willingness to explore new avenues. He really branched out, you could say, into something quite different from what he was known for on the field.
He appeared in several films, which gave him a chance to show his acting abilities to a wider audience. For example, he's known for his work in movies like "Broken Arrow," which came out in 1996, and "3000 Miles to Graceland" from 2001. He also had a role in "Firestorm," released in 1998. These roles put him on the big screen, allowing people to see him in a completely different light than they were used to from his football days. It's pretty cool, actually, to see someone make that kind of jump from one profession to another so successfully. He clearly had a knack for it, too it's almost like he was always meant to be in front of a camera.
What Roles Did Howie Long Take On After Playing?
One of Howie Long's most visible roles after his football career has been as a sports analyst. Since 1994, he has been a consistent presence on Fox NFL Sunday, which is, you know, considered America's number one NFL pre-game show. This long tenure as an analyst means he has been sharing his insights and opinions on football for decades, becoming a familiar face and voice for millions of fans every Sunday during the football season. It's a role where his deep knowledge of the game really shines through, allowing him to break down plays and strategies for viewers. He's been doing that for a very long time, actually.
His work as an analyst has allowed him to stay connected to the sport he loves, offering his perspective on current games and players. He brings a unique viewpoint, having experienced the game at the highest level himself. This kind of experience is, basically, invaluable when it comes to talking about professional football. It gives him credibility and allows him to explain the nuances of the game in a way that resonates with fans. He's been a staple of that show since its very beginning, which is pretty impressive, you know, for anyone in television. It shows how much people value what he has to say about the sport.
A Legacy Remembered - Howie Long's Place in History
Howie Long's impact on the game of football, particularly his time with the Raiders, is something that has been recognized in the highest possible way. His career was truly exceptional, and he left a lasting mark on the sport. His ability to perform at a consistently high level for so many years, and to contribute to championship teams, solidified his place as one of the best defensive players of his era. He was, in a way, a force that opposing offenses had to account for on every single down. His presence alone could change the way a game was played, which is pretty remarkable, you know.
The "silver and black," the iconic colors of the Raiders, became synonymous with his powerful play. Fans and teammates alike looked to him as a leader and a dominant presence. When people talk about the great Raiders teams, his name always comes up, and for good reason. He embodied the spirit of the team during his time there, playing with a lot of intensity and a real drive to win. His career with them, really, is a big part of the team's history, and his contributions are remembered fondly by those who followed the sport during his playing days. He was, basically, a true icon for that franchise.
When Was Howie Long Honored for His Career?
A significant moment in Howie Long's career came on a particular day in 2000, when he received one of the highest honors a professional football player can achieve. On that day, he was officially welcomed into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This induction is, you know, the ultimate recognition of a player's greatness and their lasting contribution to the sport. It means that his accomplishments and impact were deemed worthy of being preserved forever alongside the game's absolute legends. It's a very special club to be a part of, actually, and it speaks volumes about his entire playing journey. He truly earned that spot, you might say.
His induction into the Hall of Fame cemented his legacy as one of the truly great defensive players in the history of the National Football League. It's a moment that Raiders fans, in particular, remember with a lot of pride, seeing one of their own enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Looking back at photos from his career with the silver and black during such celebrations helps to bring those memories to life for many people. It's a chance to appreciate the sheer talent and effort he put into the game over his thirteen seasons. He was, basically, a player who gave his all every time he stepped onto the field, and that dedication was rightly honored.
What Surprising Move Did the Raiders Make with Howie Long?
In a somewhat recent and unexpected development, the Las Vegas Raiders, the current iteration of the team Howie Long played for, made a rather surprising announcement. They brought Howie Long back into the fold, but in a different capacity than most might expect. The news was that they had brought him in as a bench coach. This move, you know, certainly raised some eyebrows, as it's not a typical role for a Hall of Fame defensive lineman. It shows a willingness on the team's part to bring in experienced voices, even in unconventional ways. It's a pretty interesting twist, actually, for someone who spent his whole playing career with the team.
When you hear "Howie Long," your mind probably immediately goes to his incredible playing career and his time as a Hall of Fame football player. So, the idea of him serving as a bench coach is a bit of a departure from what most people associate with him. This kind of role typically involves working closely with players on the sidelines, offering guidance and support during games. It's a way for his extensive knowledge and experience to be directly applied to the current team. It just goes to show, in a way, that his connection to the Raiders runs very deep, and that they value his presence around the organization. It's a fresh chapter, you could say, in his long association with the team.
This article has explored the life and career of Howie Long, beginning with his birth details and his time as a professional football defensive end for the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders. We looked at his impressive statistics, including his sack totals, fumble recoveries, and interceptions. The discussion also covered his remarkable versatility on the defensive line and his contribution to the Raiders' two Super Bowl victories, along with his eight Pro Bowl selections. We then shifted to his life after football, noting his roles as an actor in films like "Broken Arrow," "3000 Miles to Graceland," and "Firestorm," as well as his long-standing position as an analyst for Fox NFL Sunday. Finally, the piece touched upon his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 and the recent surprising move by the Las Vegas Raiders to bring him in as a bench coach.
