Many folks often wonder about the personal lives of well-known public figures, especially those who have been in the spotlight for a long time. It's a natural curiosity, you know, to get a glimpse beyond the professional achievements and see what makes someone tick off the field or screen. For fans of football and sports commentary, one name that frequently comes up is Howie Long, a true icon from the gridiron. People are often curious about his life outside of his celebrated career, and a common question that pops up is whether Howie Long is married.
Well, to answer that directly, yes, Howie Long is indeed married. He shares a very long and, in a way, quite private partnership with his wife, Diane Addonizio. Their story is one that has spanned decades, showing a remarkable commitment that you don't always see in the public eye. It’s a testament to their bond, and, you know, it’s pretty interesting to learn about how they built such a lasting relationship.
Their connection goes back a good many years, even before Howie became a household name in the NFL. It's a tale that began in their college days, and it has since blossomed into a family life with children, all while managing the demands of a public career. So, if you're curious about the woman behind the legendary defensive end, or just want to hear a genuinely sweet love story, you're in the right spot. We're going to explore the details of Howie Long's marriage and the life he shares with Diane Addonizio.
Table of Contents
- Howie Long: A Look at the NFL Star
- Diane Addonizio: More Than Just a Spouse
- Their Enduring Love Story
- Family Life: Raising Three Sons
- People Also Ask
Howie Long: A Look at the NFL Star
Before we get too far into his personal life, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate Howie Long's remarkable professional journey. He is, as a matter of fact, Howard Matthew Moses Long, born on January 6, 1960. He made a huge impact as a professional football defensive end. His entire career, which spanned thirteen seasons, was spent with the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders. That's a pretty impressive run for any player, you know, staying with one team for so long and making such a mark.
His time in the National Football League, or NFL, was truly significant. He became one of those American football players who really defined an era for his team. His presence on the field was something else, and he was known for his incredible skill and dedication to the game. After hanging up his cleats, Howie didn't just fade away; he transitioned into other areas, showing his versatility. He's also known as an actor and a writer, which is, you know, a different kind of challenge entirely.
Personal Details
Full Name | Howard Matthew Moses Long |
Born | January 6, 1960 |
Birthplace | Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA |
Profession | Former NFL Defensive End, Actor, Writer, Sports Analyst |
NFL Career | 13 seasons with Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders |
Notable Acting Roles | Broken Arrow (1996), 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001), Firestorm (1998) |
From Gridiron to Screen
Howie Long's football career was, quite honestly, something special. He spent a good twelve years with the Los Angeles Raiders, making a name for himself as a formidable defensive end. He was a force on the field, and his playing style really left an impression on fans and fellow players alike. It's a rare thing, in some respects, to have such a long and consistent career in a sport that is so physically demanding. His dedication was, you know, pretty clear for everyone to see.
But his talents weren't just limited to the football field. After his playing days, he moved into the world of entertainment. He's been an actor and a writer, appearing in films like "Broken Arrow" from 1996, "3000 Miles to Graceland" in 2001, and "Firestorm" in 1998. This transition, you know, shows a different side of him, proving that he's more than just a sports figure. He has, apparently, a knack for storytelling and performing, which is quite interesting for someone who spent so much time in such a physical sport.
Diane Addonizio: More Than Just a Spouse
While Howie Long's professional accomplishments are widely recognized, his wife, Diane Addonizio, is a fascinating person in her own right. She is, very much, more than just the spouse of a former NFL star and current sports analyst. Born on March 1, 1962, Diane has, in a way, established herself as an independent and accomplished individual. She's managed to balance family life with the demands that come from being married to someone in the public eye, which, you know, can't be an easy feat.
Diane Addonizio, Howie Long's wife, has, in fact, a background that speaks to her intelligence and drive. She was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, in 1960. It's worth noting that her birth year is also listed as March 16th, 1962 in some places, so there's a slight variation there, but the earlier date appears more often. She is currently 63 years old, as of early 2024. Her life story is, pretty much, about making her own way and pursuing her own interests, which is a good thing.
Her Own Path and Education
Diane Addonizio embarked on a solid academic path, showing a real commitment to her education. She attended Villanova University, which is where she earned a degree in classical studies. That's, you know, a pretty interesting field of study, showing a depth of intellectual curiosity. Her educational journey didn't stop there, though. She also went on to graduate with a law degree from the University of Southern California. This really highlights her dedication to learning and, in a way, her pursuit of a professional career.
Her family background also played a part in shaping her. Her father, as a matter of fact, was in the army, and her mother was a homemaker. Diane also has a brother, James, who is also a lawyer. So, it seems, in some respects, that the legal profession runs in the family. This background probably gave her a strong foundation and, you know, a sense of purpose early on. It's clear she valued her education and used it to build her own identity, separate from her husband's fame.
A Private Professional Life
While Diane Addonizio is a licensed attorney, she hasn't, apparently, been actively practicing law lately. She has, you know, mostly kept all facets of her professional life quite secret from the general public and the media. This choice to maintain privacy around her career is something she's been very consistent with. She used to work as a lawyer and businesswoman, and it seems she's found a way to enjoy her career and married life without being constantly in the public eye, which is, frankly, pretty smart.
Married to a retired NFL player like Howie Long, Diane has, in a way, chosen to shy away from the spotlight as best she can. She puts her head down and focuses on her own pursuits and her family life. This approach allows her to have a sense of normalcy, you know, despite being connected to a public figure. It shows a strong sense of self and a clear desire to keep certain aspects of her life just for herself and her loved ones. She's, basically, carved out her own space.
Their Enduring Love Story
The relationship between Howie Long and Diane Addonizio is, quite honestly, a story that plays out much like those classic love story movies you might see. It's not about sudden fame or flashy headlines; it's about a connection that started early and has grown stronger over many years. Their bond is, in some respects, a real example of an enduring partnership in a world where relationships can sometimes feel fleeting, especially for public figures. It's a rather inspiring tale, you know, of two people building a life together.
They are, without a doubt, college sweethearts. This fact alone makes their story pretty charming. They met during their college years, and that foundation seems to have served them incredibly well over the decades. It's clear that their relationship is deeply rooted in a shared history and mutual respect. Their journey together is, basically, a testament to finding love early and nurturing it through all of life's changes. It’s a good reminder that some of the best stories are the ones that last the longest.
How They Met
Howie Long and Diane Addonizio first crossed paths in the 1970s, which, you know, was quite a while ago now. They were both studying at Villanova University at the time. It was during Diane's first year in Red Bank, New Jersey, that she met Howie. So, it was a university setting that brought them together, a common beginning for many couples. This period in their lives, as a matter of fact, was foundational for their relationship, allowing them to get to know each other before the pressures of public life became a factor.
Their connection deepened throughout their college years. They got engaged after their graduation, which is, in a way, a very traditional and sweet progression for a couple. It shows that their commitment was serious even then, right after they finished their studies. This early engagement, you know, set the stage for their long marriage. It’s pretty clear they saw a future together even as they were just starting their adult lives and careers, which is a nice thing to see.
Decades of Partnership
Howie Long and his wife, Diane Addonizio, officially became husband and wife on June 27, 1982. That date, you know, marks the beginning of what has turned into a marriage spanning over four decades. This kind of longevity in a relationship, especially for someone who has been in the public eye, is, frankly, quite remarkable. They have been married for decades, and their bond has remained strong through all the changes and challenges that life brings. It's a pretty significant achievement, when you think about it.
Their relationship is often described as playing out like the story of some classic love story movies. It's a narrative of sustained affection and mutual support. Diane has, in a way, been a quiet but powerful presence, supporting Howie's legacy while maintaining her own identity. Their journey together is, basically, a testament to finding the right person and committing to them for the long haul. It's a very real example of a lasting partnership, and it's something they've managed to keep largely private, which is, you know, pretty impressive in itself.
Family Life: Raising Three Sons
Beyond their individual careers and their enduring marriage, Howie and Diane have also built a family together. They share three children, all sons. While the provided information doesn't list their names, it's clear that their family life is a central part of their world. Raising three children, especially with a parent who has such a public career, requires a lot of dedication and teamwork. Diane, in particular, has been crucial in balancing family life with the demands of being married to a public figure, which, you know, is a big role.
Diane Addonizio is, arguably, the woman who supports Howie Long's legacy, not just as his wife, but as a partner in raising their family. She has managed to successfully balance the needs of her family with her own personal and professional interests. This aspect of their life together highlights the depth of their partnership. They have, in a way, created a strong family unit that has grown and thrived over the years, which is, basically, what many people hope for in their own lives. You can learn more about Howie Long's career on our site, and you might also be interested in other NFL legends.
People Also Ask
Who is Howie Long’s wife?
Howie Long’s wife is Diane Addonizio. She is a licensed attorney and businesswoman, though she has largely kept her professional life private and is not actively practicing law these days. She's, in a way, known for being a very private person, even though her husband is so well-known. She's also, you know, a very accomplished individual in her own right, with a strong educational background.
How did Diane Addonizio meet Howie Long?
Diane Addonizio and Howie Long met while they were both attending Villanova University in the 1970s. Their connection began during their college years, and they eventually got engaged after their graduation. It was, basically, a classic college sweetheart story, which is, you know, pretty sweet. They formed a strong bond early on, which has lasted for many decades.
What does Howie Long’s wife, Diane Addonizio, do?
Diane Addonizio is a licensed attorney and businesswoman. While she has a law degree from the University of Southern California and practiced law for some time, she has not been actively practicing lately. She has, apparently, chosen to keep most aspects of her professional life very private from the public and media. She is also a dedicated spouse and mother, balancing her personal life with her husband's public career, which, you know, is quite a lot to manage.


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