Over the last 30 years, Howie Long has been an Emmy Award-winning studio analyst for FOX NFL Sunday and has participated in 10 Super Bowls. In 2018, Long joined the FOX Sports Thursday Night Football Pregame Show as a pregame and halftime analyst. For a decade, Long hosted Howie Long’s Tough Guys Show on FOX, honoring the toughest players in the NFL.

 

During his playing days, Long prepared for his career in broadcasting while appearing on programs such as HBO’s Inside The NFL, NFL Diary, NBC’s NFL Live and ESPNU’s Up Close.

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The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee (class of 2000) is regarded as one of the most feared defensive players in the history of the NFL. Long was selected by the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft out of Villanova University. In his 13 years playing for the Raiders, Long was elected to the Pro Bowl eight times (tying the Raiders’ all-time record) and was a three-time Defensive Lineman of the Year.  In 1985, he was voted Seagrams Defensive Player of the Year and later honored as a selection to the “All Decade Team of the 80’s”.  In 1984, Long helped lead the Raiders to victory over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII.  

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Long currently serves as a brand ambassador and national spokesperson for Skechers, FanDuel, Intermountain Healthcare, and Collectors’ Showcase of America (CSA). Long has been featured in numerous national commercials and advertising campaigns including Chevrolet/General Motors, Radio Shack, Allstate, Nike, Hanes, Campbell’s Soup, Pepsi, Sprint, Bristol-Myers, Kellogg’s, A1 Steak Sauce, and M&Ms. 

 

As a multi-talented performer, Long launched a successful film career.  He made his feature film debut in John Woo’s 1996 box office hit “Broken Arrow” alongside Travolta and in the 1998 film “Firestorm”.   Long was also featured in “3000 Miles To Graceland” which starred Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell.

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Long’s sharp wit and keen analysis have made him a sought-after guest writer for books and publications including Football for Dummies, USA Today and Cosmopolitan Magazine.  He also wrote the introduction to the Bo Jackson biography Bo Knows Bo.

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Long is a co-owner and contributor to The Experts Network (TXN), an interactive digital sports network consisting of sports analysis along with Cris Collinsworth, Boomer Esiason, Phil Simms, Nick Faldo and Cal Ripken, Jr. Launched in April 2011, the TXN specializes in the development of digital and original programming, repurposed content and high-end special events.  The interactive platform formulates strategic distribution partnerships with online sports networks and serves as the online “destination” sports property.

 

 

In addition to his professional duties, he has been active in charity work with focus on children, health issues and youth athletics. 

 

In 2023, Long was the recipient of the illustrious Pat Summerall Award created to honor a national broadcaster who has made a significant impact in their community. Long was named “Man of the Year” by the Walter Camp Foundation for his philanthropic efforts in the community in 2001.  He is also a past recipient of the West Coast Father’s Day Council “Father of the Year” award and was the founding National Chairman for Athletes & Entertainers for Kids.  For many years, Long and his wife, Diane, have been dedicated supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs, both in Central Virginia and Montana.  He has made several trips to military bases in the United States and around the world, individually, and also with the USO.   

 Long resides in Virginia with his wife, Diane.  They have three sons and four grandchildren.

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Professional football is truly a family affair for the Longs. Oldest son Chris was a first-round selection by the St. Louis Rams in 2008 and won Super Bowl championships with both the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. Son Kyle was a first-round selection by the Chicago Bears in 2013 and played with both the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs while youngest son Howie works in the Raiders Sales & Marketing Department.