Howie Long - A Look Back At A Football Legend
When folks talk about the truly great players who made a big mark in professional football, one name that often comes up is Howie Long. He was, to put it simply, a very big deal for his team, the Raiders, during the 1980s. People remember him for his incredible skill and the way he helped shape the game back then. His time playing was quite something, a period when he showed everyone what a top-tier defensive player could truly do.
You know, for someone who watched football in that era, it's almost like you couldn't miss seeing him on the field. He had a way of being everywhere, causing trouble for the other team's offense. He wasn't just a player; he was a presence, a really important piece of the puzzle for a team that saw some real success. His contributions, you could say, were a big part of what made those Raiders teams so memorable.
So, we're going to take a little stroll down memory lane and chat about what made Howie Long such a notable figure. From his early days getting picked in the draft to his amazing performances and even what he got up to after his playing days were over, there's quite a bit to talk about. He truly left a lasting impression on the sport, and it's interesting to look at the different parts of his professional life.
Table of Contents
- Howie Long - A Quick Look at His Life
- What Made Howie Long Such a Force on the Field?
- Howie Long's Early Days and Draft Pick
- How Did Howie Long Help His Team Win?
- Howie Long's Standout Season of 1985
- What Roles Did Howie Long Play After Football?
- The Versatility of Howie Long's Playing Style
- Is Howie Long Still Involved with Football?
Howie Long - A Quick Look at His Life
Let's just take a moment to get a sense of who Howie Long is beyond the football field. He was born on January 6, 1960, in a place called Charlestown, which is in Massachusetts, over in the United States. That's where his story begins, really, before he became a well-known figure in the world of sports. It's always interesting, you know, to see where someone's path starts before they become a big name.
Now, after his football days, or even perhaps during them, Howie Long also ventured into other areas. He's actually known for being an actor and also a writer. For instance, he had a part in a film called "Broken Arrow," which came out in 1996, and also "3000 Miles to Graceland." So, he's not just a person who played a lot of football; he's also someone who has done other kinds of work in the public eye, which is pretty cool, if you ask me.
It's kind of a neat thing, isn't it, how some folks manage to have a successful run in one field and then move onto another completely different one? Howie Long, in a way, shows that you can have multiple talents and interests. His life story, you could say, has a few different chapters, each with its own interesting turns and achievements. He's certainly someone who has made his mark in more ways than one, which is quite something.
Personal Details and Bio Data for Howie Long
| Full Name | Howie Long |
| Born | January 6, 1960 |
| Birthplace | Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA |
| Known For | Professional Football Player, Actor, Writer |
| Notable Works (Film) | Broken Arrow (1996), 3000 Miles to Graceland |
What Made Howie Long Such a Force on the Field?
When you look at what made Howie Long so special as a player, it really comes down to his incredible ability to adapt. He wasn't just good at one specific thing or playing in one spot; he could, in fact, play all five different positions along the defensive line. This kind of flexibility is pretty rare in football, you know, and it made him a standout athlete in the National Football League. It's like he had a knack for fitting in wherever his team needed him most.
This versatility meant that coaches could move him around depending on what the game called for, which gave the Raiders a real edge. He could be a defensive end one moment, then shift to another spot, and still be just as effective. That's a sign of a truly gifted player, someone who understands the game deeply and can use their physical gifts in many different ways. It's not something you see every day, that's for sure, and it really set Howie Long apart from others.
So, when people talk about him being a "beast" as a defensive end for the Raiders in the 1980s, it's not just hyperbole. He genuinely had the skills and the smarts to dominate. His ability to play anywhere on that defensive line meant he was always a threat to the opposing team's plans, which, you know, is exactly what you want from a top defensive player. He was, quite simply, a very tough opponent for anyone he faced.
Howie Long's Early Days and Draft Pick
Howie Long started his journey in professional football after being picked by the Oakland Raiders. This happened in the second round of the 1981 NFL draft. He came from Villanova University, which, you know, is where he played his college football. Getting chosen in the second round is a pretty big deal; it means teams saw a lot of potential in him right from the start. It's kind of where his professional career truly kicked off, that selection moment.
The Raiders, at that time, were a team with a certain reputation, and bringing in a player like Howie Long seemed to fit their style. They were looking for strong, impactful players, and he certainly proved to be one. His arrival, you could say, was a significant moment for both him and the team. It marked the beginning of a long and very successful partnership between a player and a franchise, which is pretty neat to think about.
So, from Villanova, he stepped right into the big leagues with the Raiders, ready to make his mark. It's a testament to his talent and hard work that he was recognized so early in the draft. Many players dream of getting picked, and for Howie Long, that dream came true in 1981, setting him on a path to becoming a well-known name in the sport. It's like the first big step on a very impressive career path, really.
How Did Howie Long Help His Team Win?
Howie Long's time with the Raiders was marked by some truly big wins, and he was a central figure in those successes. He helped lead the Raiders to not just one, but two Super Bowl victories. That's a pretty remarkable achievement for any player, you know, to be part of a team that reaches the absolute pinnacle of the sport more than once. His efforts on the field were, in a way, a major reason for those championship runs.
Beyond the team's ultimate triumphs, Howie Long also earned a lot of individual recognition for his outstanding play. He was selected to participate in the Pro Bowl eight times during his career. Being chosen for the Pro Bowl means that other players and coaches across the league saw him as one of the very best at his position, which is a huge honor. It really shows how consistently good he was, year after year, which is quite something.
His presence on the defensive line was, in some respects, a game-changer for the Raiders. He made it tough for opposing offenses to get anything going, and that kind of defensive pressure often creates opportunities for the rest of the team. So, when you look at how the Raiders managed to win those big games, you can definitely point to Howie Long's play as a very important part of the equation. He was, without a doubt, a cornerstone of those winning teams.
Howie Long's Standout Season of 1985
The year 1985 was, by many accounts, a truly special one for Howie Long. He had a season that really stood out, earning him some significant awards. He was voted the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year, which is a pretty big nod from former players who know what it takes to perform at that level. It's like getting a seal of approval from those who have walked in your shoes, you know?
On top of that, he also received the NFLPA AFC Defensive Lineman of the Year award. This one comes from his fellow players in the American Football Conference, which, you know, means they recognized his incredible talent and effort. When your peers vote for you as the best, it really speaks volumes about the respect you've earned on the field. It shows he was not just good, but seen as a leader among his contemporaries.
He finished off that fantastic 1985 season by earning the George Halas Award. This award is given to a player who overcomes adversity and makes significant contributions to their team. So, it wasn't just about his stats or his raw power; it was also about his character and his impact beyond the numbers. That season, you could say, was a clear demonstration of just how much Howie Long brought to the game, both physically and as a person.
What Roles Did Howie Long Play After Football?
After his highly successful playing career came to an end, Howie Long didn't just fade away from the public eye. As we touched on earlier, he actually transitioned into acting and writing. This is a path that some athletes take, but it's not always easy to make that jump. For Howie Long, though, it seems he found a way to apply his presence and charisma to a different kind of performance, which is pretty interesting, really.
Being known for films like "Broken Arrow" and "3000 Miles to Graceland" shows that he was able to carve out a place for himself in Hollywood. It's a completely different world from the football field, with different demands and skills needed. Yet, he apparently managed to make it work, which speaks to his adaptability beyond just playing different positions on the defensive line. It's like he has a knack for finding success in various fields, you know?
So, while many people remember him first and foremost as a football player, it's worth noting that his career has had other dimensions. He's a person who has explored different avenues and found ways to stay active and relevant in the entertainment industry. It just goes to show that some people have a wide range of talents and interests, and Howie Long seems to be one of those individuals, which is quite cool.
The Versatility of Howie Long's Playing Style
Let's talk a bit more about what made Howie Long such a special player on the football field, particularly his adaptability. He was, in a way, a true football chameleon, able to play all five defensive line positions. This meant he could line up as a defensive end, a defensive tackle, or even a nose tackle, depending on what the defensive scheme called for. That kind of skill set is incredibly valuable to a coaching staff, as it gives them so many options, you know?
Imagine being a coach and having a player who can fill almost any role on the defensive front. That's what Howie Long offered. If they needed someone to rush the passer from the outside, he could do it. If they needed someone to clog up the middle and stop the run, he could do that too. This made him a very difficult player for opposing offenses to plan against, because they never quite knew where he'd be or what he'd be doing. It's like he was always a step ahead, in some respects.
His ability to shift positions and still perform at a high level truly made him a standout. It's not just about raw strength or speed; it's also about understanding the nuances of each position and being able to execute different techniques. Howie Long clearly had that deep football intelligence, which, you know, is just as important as physical talent in the game. He was, quite simply, a very complete defensive player, capable of doing a lot of things really well.
Is Howie Long Still Involved with Football?
You might be wondering if Howie Long, the Hall of Fame football player, is still connected to the game today. Well, the Las Vegas Raiders, his old team, recently made a surprising move by bringing him in as a bench coach. This is a pretty interesting development, considering his long history with the franchise and his legendary status. It's like he's come full circle, returning to the team where he made his name, which is pretty neat.
When you hear "Howie Long," you probably think of his incredible playing days, smashing through offensive lines and making big plays. But now, to see him in a coaching role, even as a bench coach, offers a different perspective on his continued involvement in the sport. It shows that his passion for football, and for the Raiders in particular, still runs deep. It's a way for him to share his vast experience and knowledge with the current generation of players, which is a good thing, really.
So, yes, it appears that Howie Long is indeed still very much involved with football, particularly with the team he played for. This new role as a bench coach suggests that his insights and presence are still valued in the professional game. It's a reminder that some legends never truly leave the sport; they just find new ways to contribute and stay connected to the game they love. It's quite something to see, actually, this continued dedication to the sport.
We've talked about Howie Long's beginnings in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and his journey to becoming a second-round draft pick for the Oakland Raiders in 1981. We explored what made him such a formidable defensive player, including his ability to play all five defensive line positions and his crucial role in helping the Raiders secure two Super Bowl victories. We also touched upon his exceptional 1985 season, where he earned multiple prestigious awards like the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year. Beyond his playing days, we looked at his ventures into acting and writing, showcasing his varied talents. Finally, we noted his recent return to the Las Vegas Raiders as a bench coach, highlighting his ongoing connection to the sport that made him a Hall of Famer.
Pictures of Howie Long
Pictures of Howie Long
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