Howie Long’s NFL career ended 30 years ago, but his legacy lives on. Whether it’s his inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his work as a broadcaster on FOX NFL Sunday, or his role as the father of two NFL players, Long has remained in the NFL conversation. Let’s take a look back at the illustrious career of the Raiders’ defensive end turned sportscaster.
Howie Long’s Career on the Football Field
Long began his college career at Villanova as a tight end but was soon moved to the defensive line. After posting 84 tackles and four sacks as a senior, Long was named to the All-Big East team and subsequently drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft.
Although he wasn’t a full-time starter during his first two seasons with the Raiders, Long still managed to post 13 total sacks. He likely would have put up even more production had a players’ strike not shorted the 1982 campaign to just nine games.
The 1983 season marked Long’s coming-out party. Not only did the Raiders win the Super Bowl, but Long registered a career-high 13 sacks. He was named a second-team All-Pro, earned a Pro Bowl berth, and collected a few down-ballot votes for Defensive Player of the Year.
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Long kept it up over the following two seasons, totaling 22 sacks between 1984-85. During that span, he was twice a first-team All-Pro. In 1985, he finished second in DPOY voting to Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary.
While Long never posted double-digit sack totals again, he remained a consistent force on the Raiders’ defensive line for the rest of his career. From 1986-1993, he appeared in 106 games and averaged more than five sacks per season. He was a Pro Bowler five times over those eight years, including in his final campaign (1993).
Long, a member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. His legacy continued through his sons — defensive end Chris Long and offensive guard Kyle Long — who spent a combined 19 seasons in the NFL.
What Teams Did Long Play For?
Long spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Raiders. The team played in Oakland in his rookie campaign but was based in Los Angeles for the rest of his career.
Long played 179 games for the Raiders, 13th-most in franchise history. His 91.5 sacks are second to only his teammate, Greg Townsend, who managed 107.5.
Long’s Career in TV
After retiring from the NFL after the 1993 season, Long joined FOX NFL Sunday for its 1994 inception. He’s been an analyst on FOX’s pregame show for more than 20 years and currently works alongside Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, and Jimmy Johnson. In 1996, he won a Sports Emmy Award for “Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst.”
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In addition to his work as a sportscaster, Long also boasts 14 acting credits. He appeared in films such as Broken Arrow, That Thing You Do!, and 3000 Miles to Graceland and television shows like Beverly Hills, 90210, King of the Hill, and Malcolm in the Middle.
What’s Long’s Net Worth?
Long’s net worth is believed to be in the range of $16 million.