Howie Long had an impressive NFL career. Long had a lot of individual success during his career, and he played on a Super Bowl-winning team. The Hall of Fame defensive end spent his entire career playing for the Oakland/LA Raiders.

Before having a lot of success in the league, he was a star in college football. But he didn’t play at a big-time school.

A look at Howie Long’s impressive NFL career

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Long’s career began in 1981 when the Raiders drafted him in the second round of the NFL draft. In his third season, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl after finishing with 13 sacks and two fumble recoveries on the season. He was also named a first-team All-Pro that same season. Throughout his career with the Raiders, he was a top player on defense. The 1983 season was a big one for Long as he was a part of the Raiders team that defeated the Washington Football Team to win the Super Bowl.

He continued to have success throughout his career after winning a Super Bowl. From 1983 to 1985, he was a first-team All-Pro selection. Long wanted to have a successful NFL career. During the 1985 season, he won the George S. Halas Trophy for having been voted the NEA’s co-NFL Defensive Player of the Year, along with Andre Tippett. Long was also named the Seagrams’ Seven Crown NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

In 1986 he told Football Digest that he wanted “Financial security, and I want to be in the Hall of Fame. That’s my goal. And I’d like to win a few more Super Bowls.” It was still early in his career when Long made that statement and he already had achieved a lot. But he still wanted to continue to have success throughout his career. Long had a career to remember. He finished his career with 84 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. Long was selected to eight Pro Bowls and was a five-time All-Pro selection. In 2000, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he was also a member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team.

Howie Long’s career after playing in the league

After retiring from the league in 1993, Long continued to stay busy. He pursued an acting career and appeared in multiple action films. Long also made appearances on TV shows and commercials. The Hall of Famer was a spokesperson for Radio Shack. Long enjoyed being in front of the camera. 

One thing that Long wanted to do when he finished playing was staying involved in football. He told Inside Sports in 1986, “When I’m finished playing, I’d like to stay in touch with football, through broadcasting. I’m qualified to give a certain perspective and I’m articulate enough to handle it.” Long started as a studio analyst for the Fox Network’s NFL coverage, where he continues to work for. He won a Sports Emmy Award in 1997 as “Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst.” Long continues to be a prominent figure in the NFL even though he’s no longer playing.

Howie Long played college football at Villanova University

Long is a native of Massachusetts, and after high school, he decided to attend Villanova. Not known as a top football school, Long had success during his collegiate career. He played at Villanova for four years and made a name for himself during that time. During his freshman year, he started in every game and finished with 99 tackles. The next season he led the team with five sacks and finished with 78 tackles.

As a senior, Long led the team in sacks for the second time in his career with four. He also finished with 84 tackles that year. During his time at defensive end, Long received All-East honors and was an honorable mention All-American his senior year. Long made the most of his time at Villanova and went on to excel in the NFL.