Howie Long

Lore & Background

Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, Long was raised in Charlestown, Boston, primarily by his uncles and maternal grandmother. He attended Milford High School in Milford, Massachusetts. He played college football for Villanova, earning a degree in communications. He began as a tight end but moved to defensive line, playing mostly nose guard his first two seasons before moving to defensive end. He also boxed at Villanova and was the Northern Collegiate Heavyweight Boxing Champion. Long's signature defensive move was the 'rip.' After retiring, he pursued acting and broadcasting, serving as a studio analyst for Fox Sports' NFL coverage.

In Their Own Story

The lights at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum hummed with a low vibration as the crowd roared. It was late in the fourth quarter, and the Raiders' defense stood tall against a desperate drive. Howie Long, his silver hair catching the stadium glare, adjusted his stance at the line of scrimmage. With a burst that belied his years, he exploded off the edge, shedding a blocker with a violent, practiced shove. As the quarterback scrambled, Long was there, a wall of white and silver, delivering a sack that sealed another victory for the Silver and Black.

Reader's Guide

Howie Long played 13 seasons for the Raiders, wearing number 75. He was selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL draft. He earned eight Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors (1983, 1984, 1985). He won Super Bowl XVIII as a left defensive end. He collected 91 sacks during his career (7 unofficial). His career high in sacks was 13 in 1983. He also intercepted two passes and recovered 10 fumbles. He was the last player still with the team who had been a Raider before the franchise moved to Los Angeles.

Did You Know?

• Long was voted the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year and the NFLPA AFC Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1985.
• He won a Sports Emmy Award in 1996 as Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst.
• Long authored 'Football for Dummies' with John Czarnecki in 2003.
• He was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.