Yes, Howie Long is still happily married to his wife, Diane Addonizio. The Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Fox Sports analyst wed Addonizio on June 27, 1982, and the couple has remained together for over four decades. Rumors regarding their marital status often surface due to online confusion surrounding celebrity relationships, but their union remains rock-solid.
How Howie Long and Diane Addonizio Met
The couple's story started during their college years at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Howie was an standout defensive lineman building a reputation on the football field, while Diane pursued her undergraduate studies in classical studies.
They connected on campus and maintained their relationship as Howie transitioned into the National Football League after being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1981. They married shortly after graduation, establishing a private, grounded foundation long before Howie achieved multi-media stardom as an analyst and actor.
Diane Addonizio Legal Career and Family Life
Unlike many spouses of professional athletes who chase public spotlight, Diane pursued an independent professional path early on. After completing her undergraduate degree, she attended the University of Southern California, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree.
She practiced law as a corporate and civil attorney. However, as Howie's career with the Los Angeles Raiders intensified and their family began to grow, Diane made the deliberate choice to step away from active legal practice. She channeled her energy into raising their three sons and managing a stable household away from media scrutiny.
Raising Three Sons in the Public Eye
The Long household expanded with the arrival of three boys:
- Chris Long: Born in 1985, Chris followed his father's footsteps into the NFL, playing defensive end and winning two Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.
- Kyle Long: Born in 1988, Kyle carved out a successful professional football career as a Pro Bowl offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears.
- Howard Long Jr.: Born in 1990, Howard Jr. graduated from Villanova and later took on operational roles within the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders organization.
Balancing three athletic boys required immense discipline. Diane often managed tight schedules, cross-country travel for games, and the normal chaos of raising high-energy children while keeping them grounded despite their father's fame. You can read more about player backgrounds via the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Secrets to Their Four-Decade Marriage
Sustaining a marriage for over forty years in the high-pressure environment of professional sports is rare. Several factors explain their enduring relationship:
- Prioritizing Privacy: The couple chose to raise their family away from Hollywood and major media hubs, settling in a quiet environment in Charlottesville, Virginia.
- Mutual Respect for Individual Goals: Diane's background as an attorney gave her an independent identity, ensuring the relationship was built on a partnership of equals rather than traditional athletic-spouse tropes.
- Shared Values: Both rooted in structured, hard-working backgrounds, they emphasized education and humility for their children above athletic achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Howie Long and Diane Addonizio get married?
They tied the knot on June 27, 1982, shortly after finishing their studies at Villanova University.
Did Diane Addonizio practice law?
Yes. After earning her law degree from the University of Southern California, she worked as a corporate and civil attorney before stepping back to focus on raising their family.
Do Howie Long's sons play in the NFL?
Two of their sons, Chris and Kyle, enjoyed long, successful careers in the NFL, earning multiple Pro Bowl honors and Super Bowl rings. Their youngest son, Howard Jr., works behind the scenes in football operations.
Where do Howie and Diane live now?
The couple primarily resides in Charlottesville, Virginia, maintaining a quiet lifestyle away from intense public spotlight.
