Howie Long is not known to be dealing with a newly disclosed serious health condition. The surgery most often associated with the former Raiders star happened in November 1986, when doctors drained blood from a muscle bruise above his left knee. Contemporary reports described it as a minor procedure that did not involve the knee joint.
As of October 12, 2026, Long is 66 and remains a FOX NFL SUNDAY analyst. FOX’s 2026 NFL broadcast lineup includes him alongside Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, Rob Gronkowski, Curt Menefee and Jay Glazer.
Howard Matthew Moses Long has built a rare second career after football. He is a Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end, Super Bowl champion, longtime television analyst, actor and one of the original faces of FOX’s NFL coverage.
What Happened To Howie Long?
Howie Long’s widely discussed surgery took place in November 1986 during his playing career with the Raiders. He had suffered a muscle bruise above his left knee, and blood continued to collect in the injured area.
The Raiders reportedly drained the bruise several times, but the bleeding persisted. Doctors then performed a short procedure to remove the pooled blood and close the incision.
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Some reports at the time incorrectly suggested that Long had undergone knee arthroscopy. The team orthopedist clarified that the operation was not on the knee joint. It was a minor treatment for the muscle injury and internal bleeding above the knee.
Reports described the procedure as lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Long was released from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and was expected to need about seven to 10 days for the small incision to heal.
Howie Long Health Update After Surgery
The 1986 procedure should not be confused with a recent operation. It happened nearly four decades ago, while Long was still an active NFL player.
There is no verified public announcement identifying a new surgery, hospitalization or serious illness involving Long as of October 12, 2026. His continued presence on FOX NFL SUNDAY is the clearest public indication of his professional activity today, although television appearances alone cannot provide a medical assessment.
Long’s playing career did include other physical setbacks. The Pro Football Hall of Fame records that he missed much of the 1988 season because of injury, but he returned to produce three sacks in seven games and continued playing through the 1993 season.
Where Is Howie Long Today?
Howie Long remains part of FOX’s flagship NFL pregame program. FOX NFL SUNDAY returned for its 33rd season in 2026, with Long continuing in his established analyst role.
Long joined FOX when the network launched its NFL coverage in 1994, shortly after retiring from the Raiders. That means his broadcasting career has now lasted more than three decades and has continued for considerably longer than his 13-season playing career.
His television work focuses on NFL analysis, defensive strategy, player evaluation and game preparation. His experience as a former All-Pro defensive lineman gives him a different perspective from analysts who played other positions.
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Is Howie Long Still Married to Diane Addonizio?
Howie Long is publicly identified as married to Diane Addonizio. The couple met while attending Villanova University and married in 1982.
Addonizio studied at Villanova and later worked as a corporate litigator before stepping away from that career to focus on family life. Long has spoken warmly about her support during his playing career and in his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speech.
There is no credible public report of a divorce or separation involving Long and Addonizio. The couple has generally kept its private life away from the daily celebrity-news cycle.
Howie Long’s Children and Family
Long and Addonizio have three sons: Chris Long, Kyle Long and Howie Long Jr. All three have been connected to professional football in different ways.
Chris Long played defensive end in the NFL and won Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. He later developed a career in podcasting, media and philanthropy.
Kyle Long played offensive guard in the NFL, most notably with the Chicago Bears. Howie Long Jr. has worked in football operations with the Raiders organization.
The family’s football connections have often made Long a useful bridge between different generations of players, coaches and analysts. His sons’ careers also extended his connection to the sport after his own retirement.
How Old Is Howie Long?
Howie Long was born on January 6, 1960, in Somerville, Massachusetts, and grew up in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood.
He turned 66 on January 6, 2026. His early athletic background included football, basketball, track and boxing before he became a standout defensive lineman at Villanova University.
Howie Long’s NFL Career and Hall of Fame Record
The Oakland Raiders selected Long in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft with the 48th overall pick. He spent his entire NFL career with the Raiders franchise, including the team’s move from Oakland to Los Angeles.
Long played from 1981 through 1993 and appeared in 179 games. The Raiders list him with 84 official sacks, two interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries and 151 starts.
His major achievements include:
- Eight Pro Bowl selections.
- Three All-Pro selections according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- A Super Bowl XVIII championship with the Raiders.
- Selection to the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team.
- Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
Long’s best statistical season came in 1983, when he recorded 13 sacks and helped the Raiders defeat Washington 38-9 in Super Bowl XVIII. His 1981 rookie-season sack total is not included in official NFL statistics because sacks were not yet an official league statistic that year. The Hall of Fame notes that Long was credited with an additional 7.5 sacks from that season.
Howie Long’s Acting and Broadcasting Career
After leaving the NFL, Long expanded into entertainment and advertising. His film credits include Broken Arrow, Firestorm and 3000 Miles to Graceland.
His most durable post-football role, however, has been television analysis. Long was part of FOX NFL SUNDAY from its debut in 1994 and won a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Analyst in 1997.
He also served as a pregame and halftime analyst for Thursday Night Football from 2018 through 2021. His long tenure has made him one of the most recognizable former players in American sports broadcasting.
Howie Long Net Worth and Salary Estimates
Howie Long’s net worth is commonly estimated at approximately $25 million. That figure is an estimate, not a publicly audited financial disclosure.
His income has come from several sources, including NFL contracts, decades of FOX Sports work, acting roles, endorsement campaigns and other media-related activities.
FOX has not publicly disclosed Long’s current personal compensation. Online reports sometimes place his annual earnings near $5 million, but that figure should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed salary or current contract value.
Because Long’s assets, investments, taxes and private agreements are not fully public, no outside estimate can establish his exact present-day wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Howie Long have knee surgery?
He underwent a minor procedure in November 1986 to drain blood from a muscle bruise above his left knee. Reports at the time said the procedure did not involve the knee joint.
What is Howie Long doing in 2026?
He remains a FOX NFL SUNDAY analyst. FOX included him in its 2026 NFL broadcast lineup alongside other Hall of Fame and Super Bowl-winning analysts.
Who is Howie Long’s wife?
His wife is Diane Addonizio. The couple met at Villanova University, married in 1982 and have three sons.
How many children does Howie Long have?
Howie Long and Diane Addonizio have three sons: former NFL players Chris Long and Kyle Long, and Howie Long Jr., who has worked in football operations.
How old is Howie Long in 2026?
He is 66 years old as of October 12, 2026. Long was born on January 6, 1960.
What is Howie Long’s estimated net worth?
His net worth is often estimated at about $25 million. The amount is not an official financial disclosure and may not reflect his current assets or income.
Howie Long Quick Facts
- Full name: Howard Matthew Moses Long
- Born: January 6, 1960
- Age: 66 as of October 12, 2026
- Birthplace: Somerville, Massachusetts
- College: Villanova University
- Position: Defensive end
- NFL team: Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders
- NFL career: 1981–1993
- Official career sacks: 84
- Pro Bowls: Eight
- Super Bowl: Super Bowl XVIII champion
- Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2000
- FOX role: FOX NFL SUNDAY analyst
- Wife: Diane Addonizio
- Children: Chris Long, Kyle Long and Howie Long Jr.
- Estimated net worth: Approximately $25 million
