Howie Long: The Notetaking Legend Balancing Family, Football, and Broadcasting Excellence

Before the cameras roll on "Fox NFL Sunday," Howie Long can typically be found in a corner, pen in hand, meticulously jotting down notes. For his colleagues, this routine is all too familiar, and it has become a source of good-natured ribbing. Michael Strahan pokes fun at Long's seemingly endless notetaking, while Jimmy Johnson affectionately refers to the "volumes" of material he compiles. Even Terry Bradshaw can't resist calling him "boring" when he’s lost in his writing. Yet, fellow analyst Jay Glazer might have the most amusing observation of all: Long's handwriting is so small that no one quite understands how he reads his own notes. Long himself acknowledges that he only utilizes about 10 percent of his detailed notes, but he insists that this is simply how he operates. "It's the way I've always done things. Everybody's got their little quirks, and those are mine," he explains. His approach reflects a lifetime devoted to preparation and detail, which has been integral to both his NFL career and his subsequent success as a broadcaster. As a former defensive lineman for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, Long's attention to detail on the field was evident. It was this same quality that later helped him build an impressive broadcasting resume over more than three decades with Fox. His colleagues admire him not just for his professionalism on air, but for the human qualities he brings to work and life. “Everything that Howie does, he is extremely thorough, and he's as prepared as any individual I've ever known,” Johnson said. Off the set, Long’s life story is equally compelling. He is a devoted husband, a father who takes an active role in his sons' lives, and a doting grandfather. His colleagues often turn to him for advice on parenting and relationships, with Glazer noting that Long serves as a model for both. Bradshaw, in an especially vulnerable moment, confided in Long after receiving a cancer diagnosis, highlighting the deep trust and respect that permeates their friendship. Long’s commitment to family is palpable. He worked with Fox to shift meeting times to accommodate his son Chris's high school football games, demonstrating the lengths he will go to prioritize family over work commitments. This devotion extends to his family life; he has been married to his wife, Diane, since 1982, and his sons have made their own marks in the NFL. Strahan jokes that joking about Long’s family is a dangerous territory, reinforcing the protective nature Long has toward his loved ones. Long's journey to the top of his profession started in a different way than many might expect. When he first auditioned for his role at Fox, he brought an overwhelming stack of notes, hoping to impress. Instead, he learned from Bradshaw that a more relaxed approach could allow for natural conversation rather than a scripted broadcast. Their second audition together led to Long's hiring, a decision that has proved beneficial for both Long and Fox. As an analyst, Long's dedication is unwavering. He continuously prepares as though he’s calling a game, not just discussing it during pregame shows. His colleagues appreciate the depth of knowledge he brings, especially when conversations turn technical. He might prefer discussing the finer points of team strategies over participating in light-hearted banter, but that doesn’t diminish the respect he garners from his peers. After all, Long’s meticulous preparation and commitment to excellence are what make him a foundational part of the "Fox NFL Sunday" family. Long has a year left on his Fox contract and has expressed a desire to continue as long as the network wants him. He jokes about trading in his signature flattop haircut upon retirement, but for now, he remains an integral part of the team. As he continues to write, joke, and share in the camaraderie of his colleagues, it’s clear that his humanity extends far beyond the football field and television set. "Howie is the grown-up in the room that makes sure we have respectability," says Bill Richards, executive producer of "Fox NFL Sunday," encapsulating the integrity that Long brings to both his work and his life.