As the off-season moves along, the Oakland Raiders department of Last Word on Pro Football will be doing a series on great Raiders from history. We’ll revisit Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders that are now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, reminiscing on their careers and impact on the silver and black. This week, Howie Long is the topic of discussion.
Great Raiders From History: Howie Long
Howie Long is one of the greatest Raiders of all time. Long played for both the Oakland, and Los Angeles Raiders. During his time in the silver and black, he put up big numbers, and played in big games. Long played for the Raiders in a time where they were dominant. Players like John Matuszak and Lyle Alzado played alongside Long. Long might not have looked or acted like the typical rough and rugged Raider, but his play on the field was nothing short of mean and nasty.
Before The Raiders
Howard Matthew Moses “Howie” Long was born January 6, 1960 and grew up in Massachusetts. Howie was an a good athlete growing up but didn’t play the sport of football until he was 15 years old. In college, at Villanova University Long moved around between tight end, nose tackle, and defensive end. It was at defensive end where Long found his place. By his senior year, Howie Long received All-East honors and was an All-American honorable mention.
Career In Silver & Black
Long was selected 48th overall, in the second round of the 1981 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. He didn’t start a single game his rookie year. By his second season, the Raiders moved to Los Angeles. It wasn’t until Long’s third season that he finally made some serious noise. From 1983-1985, Howie Long started at defensive end and didn’t miss a single game. In the 1983 season, he posted a career high 13.0 sacks. On January 22, 1984 Long and the Raiders beat the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII. Howie Long spent his entire career with the Raiders, and retired after 13 years, in the 1993 season.
The Legacy
When it was all said and done with the Raiders, Howie Long recorded 91.5 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. He was a Super Bowl Champion, NFL Defensive Player of The Year (1985), an eight time Pro Bowler, three time First Team All-Pro, two-time second team All-Pro, and named to the NFL 1908s All-Decade Team. In 2000, Howie Long was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
After football, Long acted and had several roles in movies and commercials. Nowadays Long can be seen on TV every Sunday. Howie has found a place in broadcasting, and has been an analyst on FOX for years now. Also, Howie has two of his sons playing in the NFL. Chris Long is a defensive end that currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. Chris won a Super Bowl with the Patriots last year. Kyle Long is an offensive lineman that plays for the Chicago Bears. Both sons have had very successful NFL careers.
Howie Long isn’t only one of the greatest NFL players of all time. He’s also one of the greatest Raiders of all time. His numbers prove it. Of all the great Raiders, Long is a fan favorite. To this day, Raider fans wear their Howie Long jerseys, and miss the days when he was wreaking havoc on the football field.
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