Howie Long
The silver-haired anchor who defined the Raiders' pass rush for two decades.
Howie Long is a titan of American football history and one of the most iconic figures in the legacy of the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. Entering the NFL as a first-round draft pick, he spent his entire professional career with the franchise, becoming synonymous with its aggressive 'Fear the Steel' identity. As a defensive end, Long was a cornerstone of a dominant defense that propelled the team to multiple Super Bowl appearances and established him as one of the greatest pass rushers of his generation.
- Role
- Defensive End
- Affiliation
- Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders
- Years Active
- 1981–2000
- Super Bowl Appearances
- 3 (XVIII, XV, XXIII)
- Pro Bowl Selections
- 6
- All-Pro Honors
- 5 First-Team selections
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Famer
Lore & Background
Howie Long's arrival in Oakland in 1981 marked the beginning of a new era of defensive dominance. Standing at an imposing height and possessing rare speed for his size, he quickly became the engine of the 'Steel Curtain' defense. His partnership with fellow end Ted Washington and linebacker Reggie White (in later years) created a nightmare for opposing offenses. Long was not just a sack artist; he was a technician who could disrupt plays from the outside, often setting the tone for the entire team's defensive philosophy.
In Their Own Story
The lights at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum hummed with a low vibration as the crowd roared. It was late in the fourth quarter, and the Raiders' defense stood tall against a desperate drive. Howie Long, his silver hair catching the stadium glare, adjusted his stance at the line of scrimmage. With a burst that belied his years, he exploded off the edge, shedding a blocker with a violent, practiced shove. As the quarterback scrambled, Long was there, a wall of white and silver, delivering a sack that sealed another victory for the Silver and Black.
Reader's Guide
Howie Long's era at the Raiders spanned from 1981 to 2000, covering both the Oakland and Los Angeles tenures. He played as a defensive end, renowned for his unique combination of size, speed, and technical mastery in pass rushing. His greatest achievements include being selected to six Pro Bowls and earning five First-Team All-Pro honors. Long was instrumental in the Raiders' Super Bowl XVIII championship victory and appeared in two other title games. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his status as an all-time great. Long's legacy extends beyond statistics; he personified the aggressive, no-nonsense identity of the Raiders during their most successful modern era. His longevity set a standard for defensive linemen, proving that skill and conditioning could overcome age in the NFL.
Did You Know?
- Howie Long was drafted by the Raiders in the first round (19th overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft.
- He is one of only a few players to spend his entire 20-year career with a single franchise that moved cities during his tenure.
- Long was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000, shortly after retiring from professional play.
- Before joining the Raiders, Long starred at Villanova University, where he won the Lombardi Award.
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