When you think about the true greats of American football, there are some names that just naturally come to mind, people who really made a significant mark on the game. Howard Matthew Moses Long, known more simply to most as Howie Long, is absolutely one of those figures. He was, in a way, a force on the defensive side of the ball for a good long time, leaving a lasting impression on fans and fellow players alike with his powerful play. His story is one of dedication and a lot of hard work, which really paid off on the field.
For thirteen seasons, Howie Long showed up and put in the effort as a professional football defensive end in the National Football League, or the NFL as it's often called. He spent his whole professional playing time with one team, the Raiders, first when they were in Oakland and then when they moved to Los Angeles. This kind of loyalty to a single team over such a long period is, you know, something you don't always see these days, and it speaks volumes about his commitment to the silver and black.
His contributions went well beyond just showing up for games; he was a key part of what made those Raiders teams so successful. After his playing days were over, he didn't just fade away from the public eye. Howie Long actually moved into other areas, like acting and writing, and he also became a familiar face and voice as an analyst for one of America's most watched pre-game football shows. It's quite a varied career, really, stretching from the gridiron to the television screen, and then some.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Howie Long
- Personal Details and Bio Data of Howie Long
- What Made Howie Long a Standout Player?
- Howie Long's Time with the Raiders
- How Did Howie Long Contribute to Raiders' Success?
- Howie Long's Accomplishments and Awards
- Howie Long After Football - What's He Up To?
- Why is Howie Long Still Talked About Today?
- Howie Long's Legacy
Biography of Howie Long
Howard Matthew Moses Long, a name that certainly carries a lot of weight in the world of professional sports, came into the world on January 6, 1960. His birthplace was Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA, which is, you know, a pretty historic part of the country. From those humble beginnings, he would eventually grow to become a very recognizable figure, not just for his athletic skills but also for his work in other fields. He has, in a way, carved out quite a public presence over the years, starting with his time as a truly impactful football player.
Born in the early sixties, Howie Long's journey into professional sports really took off when he entered the National Football League. He spent a significant portion of his adult life, thirteen seasons to be precise, as a professional football defensive end. This particular position on the field is, like, a demanding one, requiring a lot of strength, quick thinking, and the ability to get past offensive players to disrupt the other team's plans. It's pretty clear he had all those qualities in spades, which is how he managed to stay at the top of his game for so long.
Beyond the football field, Howie Long has also, you know, branched out into other areas of entertainment and media. He's been involved in acting, taking on roles in a few films that many people might recognize. He's also put his thoughts down as a writer, which shows a different side to his talents. And for many years now, he's been a regular presence on television, offering his insights and thoughts on the very game he once played with such distinction. It's a rather full life, it seems, going from tackling quarterbacks to, basically, discussing plays on a Sunday morning.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Howie Long
| Full Name | Howard Matthew Moses Long |
| Born | January 6, 1960 |
| Birthplace | Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA |
| Main Profession | Former Professional Football Defensive End |
| Other Roles | Actor, Writer, Football Analyst |
What Made Howie Long a Standout Player?
When you look at what made Howie Long such a special player on the football field, one thing that truly stands out is his remarkable ability to adapt. He wasn't just good at one thing; he could, in a way, play all five defensive line positions. That's a pretty rare trait for a player, as most tend to specialize in one or two roles. This versatility meant that he could be moved around the defensive line as needed, creating problems for the opposing offense no matter where he lined up. It's almost like having multiple players rolled into one, which is that kind of asset every coach dreams of having.
This adaptability, you know, made him a very difficult player to prepare for. Opposing teams couldn't just focus on one aspect of his game because he could change it up on them. Whether he was playing inside as a tackle or on the edge as an end, he brought a consistent level of intensity and skill. This meant he was always a threat, and it really speaks to his football intelligence and physical capabilities. It's pretty clear that this sort of all-around skill set helped him become a truly memorable athlete in the National Football League, setting him apart from many others who played the game.
His impact was also measured in the numbers he put up during his career. Over his many seasons, Howie Long managed to accumulate a total of eighty-four sacks. For those who follow football, that's a very significant figure, representing the number of times he successfully brought down the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. Beyond that, he also recovered ten fumbles, showing his knack for being in the right place at the right time to gain possession for his team. And, in a way, he even managed to grab two interceptions, which is quite an accomplishment for a defensive lineman, demonstrating a bit of unexpected athleticism and awareness.
Howie Long's Time with the Raiders
Howie Long's entire professional playing time was spent with one team, which is a rather unique thing in modern sports. He played his whole career as a defensive end for the Raiders, first when the team was located in Oakland, California, and then after they made the move to Los Angeles. This long tenure with a single organization really speaks to his consistent performance and the value the team placed on his abilities. He became, basically, a cornerstone of their defense for over a decade, a truly reliable presence on the field.
His journey with the Raiders began when he was selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. He came into the league out of Villanova University, where he had played his college football. Being a second-round pick suggests that teams saw a lot of promise in him, and it's pretty safe to say he delivered on that promise and then some. From the moment he joined the team, he started making an impact, helping to shape the identity of the Raiders' defense during the 1980s. He was, in some respects, a foundational piece for them.
During his time with the Raiders, Howie Long was a central figure in some of the team's most memorable moments. His style of play, which was often described as being a "beast" on the defensive line, was a major factor in the team's overall success. He was, like, a consistent disruptor, making life very difficult for opposing offenses. This kind of consistent high-level performance is what makes a player a true legend in the eyes of the fans and the history books of the sport.
How Did Howie Long Contribute to Raiders' Success?
Howie Long's contributions to the Raiders' success were, in a way, absolutely significant. He was a key part of the teams that managed to win two Super Bowl victories. Being a part of even one Super Bowl-winning team is a huge accomplishment for any professional football player, but to be a central figure in two such triumphs really puts his career into perspective. His strong play on the defensive line provided a lot of the stopping power that allowed the Raiders to compete at the highest levels of the sport. It's pretty clear his presence made a real difference in those big games.
Beyond the team's ultimate successes, Howie Long also received a lot of individual recognition for his outstanding play. He was selected to participate in eight Pro Bowls during his career. The Pro Bowl is, basically, an annual event where the best players from the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference are chosen to play against each other, based on their performance throughout the season. To be picked eight times means he was consistently considered among the very best at his position for a long stretch of time, which is, you know, a testament to his enduring skill.
His individual efforts and impact on the game were also recognized with several prestigious awards. In 1985, a particularly stellar year for him, he was voted the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year. This award, given by former players, suggests a lot of respect from his peers and those who understood the game at its highest level. In that same year, he also received the NFLPA AFC Defensive Lineman of the Year award, which comes from the players' association, further highlighting his standing among his active colleagues. He also, basically, capped off that remarkable 1985 season by earning the George Halas Award, which is another significant honor in the football world.
Howie Long's Accomplishments and Awards
Howie Long's time on the football field was marked by a series of impressive accomplishments, both for his team and as an individual player. As mentioned, he played a very important role in helping the Raiders achieve two Super Bowl victories. These championships are, you know, the ultimate goal for any team in the NFL, and his presence on the defensive line was absolutely vital in those efforts. He was a player who could, in a way, make the big plays when they mattered most, which is what you really need in those high-stakes situations.
His consistent excellence was recognized year after year by his selection to the Pro Bowl. Being chosen for eight Pro Bowls is a pretty remarkable feat, showing that he maintained a very high level of play for a considerable portion of his thirteen-season career. It means that, basically, coaches, players, and fans alike saw him as one of the top defensive linemen in the league for a long, long time. This kind of sustained performance is what separates the good players from the truly great ones.
The 1985 season was a particularly shining moment for Howie Long, as he received a trio of significant awards. Being named the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year and the NFLPA AFC Defensive Lineman of the Year speaks volumes about the respect he commanded from both former players and his current colleagues. These awards are, in some respects, a direct reflection of how highly he was regarded by those who truly understood the physical and mental demands of playing his position. And then, you know, to also receive the George Halas Award in that same year just cemented his status as a truly dominant force on the field.
Perhaps the ultimate recognition of his playing career came on a specific day in the year 2000. On that day, Howie Long, who had become a true legend for the Raiders, was formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This honor is, basically, the highest a former player can receive, signifying that he is among the very best to have ever played the game. It's a permanent place in football history, and it's pretty clear that his contributions were considered profound enough to earn him this esteemed position. Fans and the team often look back at photos of his career with the silver and black to celebrate this significant achievement, which is, you know, a nice way to remember his impact.
Howie Long After Football - What's He Up To?
After his playing days came to an end, Howie Long didn't just disappear from the public eye; he actually moved into a rather successful career in media and entertainment. He's known to many people not just for his football prowess but also for his work as an actor. He has appeared in a few films, which might surprise some who only know him from the football field. For example, he's known for his roles in movies like "Broken Arrow," which came out in 1996, and "3000 Miles to Graceland," which was released in 2001. He was also involved in a film called "Firestorm," showcasing his range beyond sports. He's also been a writer, which, you know, adds another dimension to his creative endeavors.
For a very long time now, Howie Long has been a familiar face and voice on television every Sunday during football season. Since its beginning in 1994, he has served as an analyst for "Fox NFL Sunday," which is America's number one NFL pre-game show. This role has allowed him to share his deep knowledge of the game with millions of viewers each week. It's pretty clear that his insights and personality have been a big part of the show's enduring popularity, making him a consistent presence in the lives of football fans. He has, in a way, become as much a part of the Sunday football tradition as the games themselves.
More recently, there was some news that caught a few people by surprise, particularly those who follow the Las Vegas Raiders very closely. The team, which is now based in Las Vegas, made a rather interesting move. They've brought in Howie Long in a new capacity, as a bench coach. This kind of role, for someone of his stature and background, is, you know, quite intriguing. When you hear the name "Howie Long," you probably think of a Hall of Fame player, someone who dominated on the field. So, to see him in a coaching capacity, even if it's a specific kind of role like a bench coach, is a little bit different and certainly got people talking. It shows that his connection to the game and to the Raiders organization remains very strong.
Why is Howie Long Still Talked About Today?
Howie Long remains a topic of conversation today for a few good reasons, which really speak to the lasting impact he's had. First off, his playing career was simply outstanding. He was, in a way, a "beast" as a defensive end for the Raiders throughout the 1980s. His powerful and disruptive play helped his team win a Super Bowl, which is, you know, the pinnacle of the sport. Players who contribute to championships often hold a special place in the memories of fans and in the history of the game. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 also means he's permanently etched into the sport's highest honors, ensuring he's always part of any discussion about football's all-time greats.
Beyond his playing days, his continued presence in the media keeps him relevant and in the public eye. His long-standing role as an analyst on "Fox NFL Sunday" means that millions of people see and hear from him every week during the football season. He provides insights and commentary, keeping his name and face familiar to generations of fans, even those who might not have been old enough to see him play. This consistent visibility is, basically, a big reason why he's still a well-known figure and why his opinions on the game still carry weight. It's pretty clear he has a knack for connecting with people, whether it's through his analysis or his past acting roles.
And then there's the recent news about his involvement with the Las Vegas Raiders as a bench coach. This kind of development, where a Hall of Famer returns to the team in a new capacity, naturally sparks interest and discussion. It shows that his influence and connection to the organization are still valued, and it adds another chapter to his already impressive story. So, you know, whether it's through his historical achievements, his current media work, or new roles with his old team, Howie Long continues to be a very relevant and talked-about personality in the world of American football.
Howie Long's Legacy
Howie Long's legacy in professional football is, in a way, quite extensive and multifaceted. He is remembered as a defensive end who spent his entire thirteen-season career with the Raiders, a rare display of loyalty and consistent performance in a sport where players often move between teams. His ability to play all five defensive line positions made him a truly versatile and valuable asset, something that coaches and teammates undoubtedly appreciated. This kind of adaptability is, you know, a mark of a truly gifted and intelligent player, someone who could adjust to any situation the game presented.
His statistics, like his eighty-four sacks, ten fumble recoveries, and two interceptions, paint a picture of a player who was constantly making plays and disrupting the opposing offense. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent countless moments where he directly impacted the outcome of games, turning the tide in favor of the Raiders. He was, basically, a player who made things happen on the field, consistently putting pressure on quarterbacks and ball carriers. It's pretty clear his efforts helped the franchise achieve significant success, including those two Super Bowl victories.
Beyond the numbers and the championships, Howie Long's legacy also includes the individual honors he received, such as his eight Pro Bowl selections and the various awards he earned, particularly in his outstanding 1985 season. And, of course, the ultimate recognition of his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2000 ensures that his place among the sport's all-time greats is secured. This means that, basically, future generations of football fans and players will continue to look back at his career as an example of excellence and dedication. His impact goes well beyond the playing field, too, through his successful careers in acting, writing, and, you know, as a very popular football analyst, making him a widely recognized figure in American culture.
*** This article has explored the impressive career and lasting impact of Howie Long, from his early life and his remarkable thirteen-season tenure as a defensive end for the Raiders, where he earned two Super Bowl victories and eight Pro Bowl selections. It covered his unique adaptability on the field, his significant individual awards, and his ultimate induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The piece also touched upon his successful ventures beyond football, including his work as an actor, writer, and a long-standing analyst for Fox NFL Sunday, as well as his recent return to the Raiders in a coaching capacity.
