Howie Long is a retired professional football player, actor, and television personality who has a net worth of $16 million. He earns an estimated $4 million per year, primarily from his long-standing role as a studio analyst for Fox Sports and endorsement deals, most notably with General Motors.
Long is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive ends of his generation. Over a 13-year NFL career spent entirely with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, he built a reputation for strength, speed, and relentless pass-rushing ability. After retiring from football, he successfully transitioned into broadcasting, acting, and media, becoming one of the most recognizable former athletes in American sports television.
- Howie Long Net Worth: $4 Million
- Date of Birth: January 6, 1960
- Place of Birth: Somerville, Massachusetts
- Career: professional football player, actor, and television personality
Early Life
Howard Matthew Moses Long was born on January 6, 1960, in Somerville, Massachusetts. He grew up in Milford, where he excelled in multiple sports including football, basketball, and track and field. As a high school athlete, he showed early promise, particularly in football, while also setting records in events such as discus and shot put.
After high school, Long attended Villanova University. There, he played for the Wildcats and started every game as a freshman. Initially recruited as a tight end, he was later moved to the defensive line, where he truly flourished. By the end of his college career, he had established himself as one of the team’s top defensive players while earning a degree in communications. He also gained recognition as the Northern Collegiate Heavyweight Boxing Champion, showcasing his rare athletic versatility.
NFL Career with the Raiders
Howie Long entered the NFL in 1981 after being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round. He would go on to spend his entire career with the franchise, becoming one of the defining defensive players of the 1980s.
Early in his career, Long quickly established himself as a disruptive force on the defensive line. He earned multiple awards, including NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year and NFLPA AFC Defensive Lineman of the Year. In 1984, he helped lead the Raiders to a Super Bowl XVIII championship, one of the defining moments of his career.
By the mid-1980s, Long had become a regular Pro Bowl selection, earning eight Pro Bowl appearances and three All-Pro selections over his career. He was also a key leader on Raiders defenses that were among the most feared in the league.
Long recorded over 91 career sacks, cementing his legacy as one of the premier pass rushers of his era. He was also known for his signature “rip” move, a powerful uppercut technique used to break through offensive linemen.
After 13 seasons in the NFL, Long retired in 1993. In recognition of his impact on the game, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
Acting Career and Media Work
Following his retirement from football, Long transitioned into Hollywood and media with notable success. He appeared in several films, including Firestorm, Broken Arrow, 3000 Miles to Graceland, and That Thing You Do!, often playing tough, authoritative roles that matched his football persona.
At the same time, he became a highly visible figure in advertising. Over the years, he appeared in major national campaigns for brands such as Nike, Radio Shack, Coors Light, Honda, and Campbell’s Chunky Soup, among others.
His charisma and football expertise eventually led him to broadcasting, where he joined Fox Sports as a studio analyst for NFL coverage. He also hosted Howie Long’s Tough Guys, a show focused on football personalities and stories from the game. In 1997, he won a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality, further solidifying his success in television.
Salary
Today, Howie Long earns an estimated $4 million annually, largely from Fox Sports and commercial endorsements, especially his long-running partnership with General Motors.
His broadcasting role has made him a staple of NFL coverage, where he appears regularly on Fox NFL Sunday as a studio analyst. His insight, experience, and straightforward analysis have helped him remain one of the most respected voices in football media.
Personal Life
Howie Long is married to Diane Addonizio, and the couple has three sons. Two of his children, Chris Long and Kyle Long, followed in his footsteps and became NFL players, continuing the family’s football legacy.
Chris Long went on to win two Super Bowls during his NFL career, while Kyle Long became a Pro Bowl offensive lineman with the Chicago Bears.
Real Estate
Howie Long has maintained a relatively private lifestyle when it comes to real estate compared to many celebrities. His family has owned and sold several properties over the years, including homes connected to his son Chris Long. One notable sale involved a Charlottesville, Virginia property that sold for $2.45 million, generating a significant profit after being purchased for around $1 million in 2011.
Author: Andrew Walyaula
Andrew Walyaula is a seasoned multimedia journalist. Email: [email protected]
