Howie Long: A Legendary Football Star's Impact

Who is Howie Long?

Howie Long is a former American football player who played defensive end for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He was a member of the Raiders' Super Bowl XVIII championship team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Long was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, and played college football at Villanova University. He was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Long quickly became a starter for the Raiders and was named to the Pro Bowl eight times. He was also named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985.

Long was a key member of the Raiders' "Killer B's" defense, which helped the team win Super Bowl XVIII in 1984. He was known for his strength, speed, and athleticism. Long was also a vocal leader on the Raiders' defense.

After retiring from the NFL, Long became a sports commentator for Fox Sports. He is currently an analyst for Fox NFL Sunday.

Howie Long

Howie Long is a former American football player who played defensive end for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He was a member of the Raiders' Super Bowl XVIII championship team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

• Player: Long was a key member of the Raiders' "Killer B's" defense, which helped the team win Super Bowl XVIII in 1984.
• Analyst: After retiring from the NFL, Long became a sports commentator for Fox Sports. He is currently an analyst for Fox NFL Sunday.
• Leader: Long was a vocal leader on the Raiders' defense.
• Athletic: Long was known for his strength, speed, and athleticism.
• Pro Bowler: Long was named to the Pro Bowl eight times.
• Hall of Famer: Long was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

These six key aspects highlight the various dimensions of Howie Long's career and legacy. He was a dominant player on the field, a respected leader in the locker room, and a successful broadcaster after his playing days were over. Long is considered one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history, and his impact on the game is still felt today.

Personal details and bio data of Howie Long:

Player

Howie Long was a key member of the Raiders' "Killer B's" defense, which was one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. The "Killer B's" were a group of talented and intimidating players who helped the Raiders win Super Bowl XVIII in 1984. Long was a key part of this defense, and his contributions helped the Raiders achieve success.

• Leadership: Long was a leader on the "Killer B's" defense. He was a vocal leader who helped to motivate his teammates and keep them focused. Long was also a role model for his teammates, and he showed them what it takes to be a successful NFL player.
• Athleticism: Long was a gifted athlete who possessed a rare combination of size, speed, and strength. He was able to use his athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses and make big plays.
• Versatility: Long was a versatile player who could play multiple positions on the defensive line. He was able to play defensive end, defensive tackle, and nose tackle. This versatility made him a valuable asset to the Raiders' defense.
• Clutch Performer: Long was a clutch performer who always seemed to come up with big plays when the Raiders needed them most. He was a key part of the Raiders' Super Bowl XVIII victory, and he made several big plays in the game.

Long's contributions to the Raiders' "Killer B's" defense were significant. He was a leader, a gifted athlete, a versatile player, and a clutch performer. Long was a key part of the Raiders' success in the 1980s, and he helped the team win Super Bowl XVIII.

Analyst

After retiring from the NFL, Long began his broadcasting career as a studio analyst for Fox Sports. He quickly became known for his insightful commentary and his ability to break down complex football concepts in a way that was easy for fans to understand. Long's success as an analyst led to him being promoted to the lead analyst position on Fox NFL Sunday in 1994. He has held this position ever since, and he is now one of the most respected NFL analysts in the country.

As an analyst, Long has covered some of the biggest moments in NFL history, including the Super Bowl, the NFL Draft, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He has also interviewed some of the biggest names in the NFL, including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Jerry Jones. Long's work as an analyst has helped to make Fox NFL Sunday one of the most popular sports shows in the country.

Long's success as an analyst is due to his unique combination of knowledge, experience, and personality. He is a former NFL player who has a deep understanding of the game. He is also a gifted communicator who is able to connect with fans on a personal level. Long's passion for the game of football is evident in everything he does, and his enthusiasm is contagious.

Leader

Howie Long's leadership was a key factor in the success of the Raiders' defense. He was a vocal leader who helped to motivate and inspire his teammates. He was also a role model for his teammates, showing them what it takes to be a successful NFL player.

• Motivator: Long was able to motivate his teammates to play at their best. He was always positive and upbeat, and he never gave up on his team. Long's enthusiasm was contagious, and it helped to create a winning attitude on the Raiders' defense.
• Communicator: Long was a great communicator. He was able to clearly and effectively communicate his ideas to his teammates. This was important in helping the Raiders' defense to stay organized and focused.
• Role Model: Long was a role model for his teammates. He was a hard worker who always put the team first. Long's dedication and commitment to excellence inspired his teammates to be better players.
• Leader by Example: Long led by example. He was always the first player on the field and the last player to leave. He also played with great intensity and passion. Long's example helped to set the tone for the Raiders' defense.

Long's leadership was a key factor in the success of the Raiders' defense. He was a motivator, a communicator, a role model, and a leader by example. Long's leadership helped the Raiders' defense to become one of the most feared defenses in the NFL.

Athletic

Howie Long was one of the most athletic defensive ends in NFL history. He possessed a rare combination of size, speed, and strength that made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Long's athleticism was a key factor in his success as a player, and it helped him to become one of the most feared defenders in the league.

• Strength: Long was incredibly strong. He was able to bench press over 500 pounds and squat over 600 pounds. His strength allowed him to overpower opposing offensive linemen and disrupt their blocking schemes.
• Speed: Long was also very fast. He ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.7 seconds. His speed allowed him to get around opposing offensive linemen and chase down ball carriers.
• Agility: Long was also very agile. He was able to change direction quickly and easily. His agility allowed him to avoid blocks and make tackles in open space.
• Athleticism: Long's combination of strength, speed, and agility made him one of the most athletic defensive ends in the NFL. His athleticism allowed him to dominate opposing offensive linemen and make big plays.

Long's athleticism was a key factor in his success as a player. It allowed him to dominate opposing offensive linemen and make big plays. He was one of the most feared defenders in the NFL, and his athleticism was a big reason why.

Pro Bowler

Howie Long's eight Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent performance as a defensive end in the NFL. The Pro Bowl is an annual all-star game that recognizes the best players in the league, and Long's repeated selection to the team is a clear indication of his status as one of the elite players of his era.

Long's Pro Bowl selections also highlight his versatility and adaptability as a player. He was able to excel in a variety of roles on the defensive line, including defensive end, defensive tackle, and nose tackle. This versatility allowed him to make a significant impact on the game in a variety of ways, and it was a key factor in his team's success.

In addition to his eight Pro Bowl selections, Long was also named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985. He was also a key member of the Raiders' Super Bowl XVIII championship team in 1984. These accomplishments further underscore Long's status as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.

Hall of Famer

Howie Long's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 is a testament to his outstanding career as a defensive end in the NFL. The Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an NFL player, and Long's selection is a recognition of his exceptional talent, dedication, and impact on the game.

Long's Hall of Fame induction is also a reflection of his character and leadership. He was a respected and admired player both on and off the field, and his induction into the Hall of Fame is a recognition of his contributions to the game and his positive influence on the sport.

Long's Hall of Fame induction is a source of pride for Raiders fans and for all football fans. He is one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, and his induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his remarkable career.

Frequently Asked Questions about Howie Long

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding Howie Long, providing informative and straightforward answers.

Question 1: What position did Howie Long play in the NFL?

Howie Long played the position of defensive end for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders.

Question 2: How many Pro Bowls was Howie Long selected to?

Howie Long was selected to eight Pro Bowls throughout his NFL career.

Question 3: Did Howie Long win any major NFL awards?

Yes, Howie Long was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985.

Question 4: When was Howie Long inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Howie Long was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Question 5: What is Howie Long's current occupation?

After retiring from the NFL, Howie Long became a sports commentator for Fox Sports. He is currently an analyst for Fox NFL Sunday.

Question 6: What is Howie Long's legacy in the NFL?

Howie Long is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history. He was a key member of the Raiders' Super Bowl XVIII championship team and is known for his strength, speed, and athleticism.

These questions and answers provide a comprehensive overview of Howie Long's career and legacy in the NFL.

Transition to the next article section:

Howie Long's contributions to the NFL both on and off the field have left a lasting impact on the sport. His exceptional talent, leadership, and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and football enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

Howie Long's journey is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and athletic excellence. His contributions to the NFL, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark on the sport. As a dominant defensive end, Long's strength, speed, and athleticism were unmatched. He was a in the Raiders' Super Bowl XVIII championship victory and earned numerous accolades, including eight Pro Bowl selections and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

Beyond his playing career, Long has continued to make significant contributions to the NFL as a respected sports commentator. His insightful analysis and engaging personality have made him a beloved figure among fans and players alike. Long's commitment to excellence and his passion for the game are an inspiration to aspiring athletes and football enthusiasts worldwide.