Howie Long - A True Gridiron Icon
When folks talk about football's truly memorable players, a certain name often comes up, someone who really left their mark on the game. We're talking about Howie Long, of course, a person whose time on the field was, in some respects, quite a spectacle to behold. He spent a long stretch, thirteen seasons actually, making a name for himself as a formidable presence for the Oakland and then Los Angeles Raiders, playing defensive end with a kind of drive that was just something else. His efforts, you see, were a big part of what made those Raiders teams so successful, helping them grab some very big wins, including a couple of Super Bowl titles, which is, you know, a huge deal in football.
Howie Long, whose full name is Howard Matthew Moses Long, was born in the early part of 1960, on January 6th, in a place called Charlestown, Massachusetts. He would go on to be picked by the Oakland Raiders in the 1981 NFL Draft, a second-round selection, coming from Villanova. This pick, it turned out, was a really good choice for the team, as he quickly became a key part of their defensive strategy. His playing style was, in a way, quite unique; he could, apparently, handle all five defensive line positions, which made him a very adaptable player, something not many could do.
His impact on the field was, for many, quite clear. You could often find him making life difficult for opposing offenses, putting pressure on quarterbacks and stopping runs with a kind of force that was, well, pretty impressive. He was, in fact, a central figure in the Raiders' defensive line throughout the 1980s, earning a reputation as someone who was a real challenge to play against. It's almost as if his presence alone made the team stronger, helping them achieve some truly significant milestones in the sport's history.
Table of Contents
- The Early Days of Howie Long
- What Made Howie Long Stand Out?
- Howie Long's Adaptability on the Field
- How Did Howie Long Shape the Raiders' Success?
- Howie Long's Super Bowl Wins
- Beyond the Gridiron - What Else Has Howie Long Done?
- Howie Long's Acting Appearances
- Howie Long's Broadcasting Role
- Where Does Howie Long Rank Among Football Greats?
- What's Next for Howie Long?
The Early Days of Howie Long
Howard Matthew Moses Long, the person we know as Howie Long, first came into the world on January 6th, 1960. His birthplace was Charlestown, Massachusetts, in the United States. He grew up, you know, and eventually found his way to Villanova, a place where he started to show what he could do on the football field. It was from Villanova that the Oakland Raiders, in 1981, decided to bring him into their team. This happened during the second round of the NFL Draft that year, a moment that truly set the stage for his long and, as a matter of fact, very impressive professional career.
His selection by the Raiders was, for him, the beginning of a remarkable stretch of time playing for just one team. He stayed with the Raiders, whether they were in Oakland or later in Los Angeles, for his entire professional playing career. This kind of loyalty, in a way, is something you don't always see in the world of professional sports. He dedicated his efforts completely to the silver and black, becoming, as many would say, a truly defining figure for that organization during his time there. His journey from a college player to a professional icon is, well, quite a story in itself.
Personal Details for Howie Long
| Full Name | Howard Matthew Moses Long |
| Born | January 6, 1960 |
| Birthplace | Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA |
| College | Villanova |
| NFL Draft | 1981, Round 2 (Oakland Raiders) |
| Primary Position | Defensive End |
What Made Howie Long Stand Out?
So, what exactly was it about Howie Long that made him such a remarkable player on the football field? Well, for one thing, he was, in a way, quite the force to be reckoned with as a defensive end for the Raiders during the 1980s. People would often describe him as a "beast" in that position, meaning he was just incredibly strong and effective at what he did. His style of play, you know, was something that really helped the team, creating problems for opposing offenses and setting a tone for the defense. It's almost as if he had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, making those crucial plays that could shift the momentum of a game.
That particular year, 1985, seems to have been quite a special one for Howie Long, you know, a real high point in his playing career. He finished that season, which was, in a way, pretty remarkable, by being given a truly significant honor, the George Halas award. Before that, he had already received recognition as the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year, and he was also named the NFLPA AFC Defensive Lineman of the Year. These were, you know, big acknowledgments from his peers and from those who followed the game closely, showing just how much respect he had earned for his performance on the field.
Howie Long's Adaptability on the Field
One of the things that truly set Howie Long apart was his unusual ability to play in, well, basically, any of the five defensive line positions. This kind of versatility is, honestly, not something you see every day in professional football. It meant that he could be moved around the line depending on what the team needed, making him a very valuable asset. He wasn't just good at one specific role; he could, in a way, adjust his game to fit different situations and different opponents. This made him a real challenge for offensive coordinators to plan against, as they could never be quite sure where he would line up or what he would do.
His presence on the defensive line was, in short, a major factor in the Raiders' success during his time there. He was someone who could, you know, disrupt plays, get to the quarterback, and stop running backs with a kind of consistent effectiveness that few others could match. This adaptability, along with his sheer strength and determination, really made him a standout athlete in the National Football League. It's clear that his capacity to perform well in multiple roles contributed significantly to his overall impact and, you know, his lasting legacy in the sport.
How Did Howie Long Shape the Raiders' Success?
Howie Long was, in a way, a cornerstone of the Raiders' defense for more than a decade, and his contributions were, frankly, instrumental in the team's achievements. He was a second-round pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 1981 NFL Draft, and from that point on, he really helped lead the team to some truly memorable moments. His presence on the field, you know, provided a kind of anchor for the defense, allowing other players to perform their roles more effectively. He was a constant threat to opposing offenses, and that kind of consistent pressure is, actually, what helps teams win big games.
During his time with the Raiders, he was, in fact, selected to eight Pro Bowls, which is, for any player, a clear sign of consistent high performance. This means that, year after year, his peers and coaches recognized him as one of the very best at his position in the entire league. It speaks volumes about his dedication and his skill, as maintaining that level of play for so long is, honestly, quite an accomplishment. These selections, in a way, also highlight how central he was to the Raiders' identity and their competitive spirit throughout the 1980s.
Howie Long's Super Bowl Wins
One of the biggest ways Howie Long helped shape the Raiders' success was by being a key part of their Super Bowl victories. The team, with him on the defensive line, managed to win not just one, but two Super Bowls during his career. These wins are, you know, the ultimate goal for any professional football player and team, representing the pinnacle of success in the sport. His play was, you know, a very important factor in those championship runs, providing the kind of defensive stopping power that championship teams absolutely need to have.
His efforts on the field, particularly during those championship seasons, showed just how much of a difference one player can make. He was there, making tackles, putting pressure on quarterbacks, and recovering fumbles, all the things that contribute to winning at the highest level. The fact that he helped lead the Raiders to two such significant victories really solidifies his place as a truly impactful player in the team's history. It’s a testament to his skill and, in a way, his leadership on the defensive side of the ball.
Beyond the Gridiron - What Else Has Howie Long Done?
Howie Long's life after his playing days, it turns out, has been just as active and, in some respects, quite varied. He didn't just fade away from the public eye once his football career was over. Instead, he branched out into different fields, showing a kind of versatility that went beyond the football field. He's known for being an actor and a writer, which is, you know, quite a different path from tackling offensive linemen. This transition shows that he has, actually, interests and talents that extend well beyond the sport that made him famous.
His post-football career has, in a way, kept him in the public eye, allowing fans to continue to follow his endeavors. It’s not uncommon for athletes to try their hand at other professions, but Howie Long has, apparently, made a real go of it in these new areas. This willingness to explore new opportunities after a successful playing career is, honestly, something that many people find quite admirable. He has, in short, built a life that continues to be very much in the public sphere, but in different capacities.
Howie Long's Acting Appearances
As an actor, Howie Long has, in fact, appeared in a few films that people might recognize. He's known for his roles in movies like "Broken Arrow," which came out in 1996, and "3000 Miles to Graceland," released in 2001. He also had a part in "Firestorm," from 1998. These roles show that he was, you know, willing to try something completely different from what he was used to on the football field. It takes a certain kind of courage, you could say, to step into a new profession like acting, especially when you've been so successful in another.
His presence in these films allowed him to reach a different kind of audience, one that might not have been familiar with his football achievements. It’s pretty interesting, actually, to see athletes make that jump from the sports world to the entertainment world. For Howie Long, it was, in a way, another chapter in his public life, demonstrating that he had, well, a knack for performing, whether it was on the gridiron or on the big screen. These acting credits are, you know, a notable part of his life story beyond football.
Howie Long's Broadcasting Role
Beyond acting, Howie Long has also made a significant name for himself in sports broadcasting. He has, in fact, served as an analyst for Fox NFL Sunday, which is, as many know, America's number one NFL pre-game show. He's been with that program since its very beginning in 1994, which is, you know, a very long time to be a part of such a popular show. This role has allowed him to stay connected to the game he loves, offering his insights and opinions to millions of viewers every week.
His consistent presence on Fox NFL Sunday has made him a familiar face and voice to football fans across the country. He brings a kind of directness and, you know, a deep understanding of the game to his analysis, drawing on his many years of experience as a player. It’s clear that he has a natural ability to communicate about football in a way that resonates with people, making him a respected figure in the world of sports media. This broadcasting career has, in a way, extended his legacy and kept him at the forefront of football discussions.
Where Does Howie Long Rank Among Football Greats?
When you think about where Howie Long stands among the truly great players in football history, his accomplishments speak pretty clearly for themselves. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the year 2000, which is, you know, the ultimate recognition for a player's career. This honor means that his contributions to the sport are considered to be among the very best, placing him in a very select group of individuals. It's almost as if his name is synonymous with excellence on the defensive line, particularly for those who followed the Raiders in the 1980s.
His career statistics, like his 84 total sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions, paint a picture of a player who was, frankly, consistently disruptive and effective. These numbers are, in a way, a tangible representation of the impact he had game after game, season after season. The Hall of Fame bio for former Raiders defensive end, Howie Long, tells a story of a player who was, quite simply, dominant in his position. People who hear the name "Howie Long" probably think of a Hall of Famer, and that's, you know, a very strong indicator of his standing in the sport.
What's Next for Howie Long?
It seems that Howie Long continues to be involved with the game, even after his long and distinguished playing and broadcasting careers. There's been some talk, apparently, that the Las Vegas Raiders have made a rather surprising move by bringing him in as a bench coach. This is, you know, a very interesting development, as it would mean a return to a more direct role with the team that he played for his entire career. It's not every day you hear about a Hall of Famer taking on a coaching position, especially after so much time spent in broadcasting.
This potential new role for Howie Long suggests that his passion for football remains very strong, and that he still has a desire to contribute to the sport in a hands-on way. If this is true, it would be, in a way, a fascinating new chapter for him, allowing him to share his vast knowledge and experience directly with the current generation of players. It just goes to show that for some legends, the connection to the game they love never truly fades, and they're always ready to step back onto the field, even if it's in a different capacity.
Pictures of Howie Long
Pictures of Howie Long
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