When you think about NFL legends, Howie Long probably comes to mind as one of the most dominant defensive players of his era. But behind this Hall of Famer stands an equally remarkable woman who has been his partner for over four decades. Diane Addonizio, Howie Long's wife, has lived a life that's both fascinating and inspiring. While she prefers staying out of the spotlight, her story deserves to be told. Let's dive into the life of this incredible woman who has been the backbone of one of football's most respected families.
Who Is Diane Addonizio?
Diane Addonizio is much more than just the wife of a famous football player. Born in 1962 in Red Bank, New Jersey, she grew up in a typical American family with strong values and a focus on education. Before becoming known as Howie Long's wife, Diane carved out her own identity as a successful lawyer and businesswoman. She attended Villanova University, where she earned her law degree and started building a career that would eventually take a back seat to raising her family.
What makes Diane special is her ability to maintain a normal life despite being married to someone constantly in the public eye. She's not the type to seek attention or fame. Instead, she's focused on what really matters to her, which is her family and their wellbeing. This down-to-earth approach has made her respected among those who know her personally.
Diane stands at about 5 feet 10 inches tall, which is pretty impressive. She has always maintained a private lifestyle, keeping her personal affairs away from social media and tabloids. This privacy has allowed her children to grow up without the constant pressure that comes with being part of a celebrity family.
The Love Story: How Howie Long Met His Wife Diane Addonizio
Every great love story has a beginning, and the romance between Howie Long and Diane Addonizio is no exception. The couple first met while they were both students at Villanova University in Pennsylvania during the early 1980s. Howie was already making waves as a football player, showing the talent that would eventually take him to the NFL. Diane was pursuing her law degree, focused on building a career in the legal field.
Their connection was instant and genuine. Unlike many celebrity relationships that seem rushed or based on fame, theirs was built on mutual respect and shared values. They started dating during their college years and quickly realized they had found something special in each other. Howie has often mentioned in interviews that Diane was different from anyone he had ever met. She didn't care about his growing football fame. She cared about him as a person.
The couple got married on June 27, 1982, in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. At that time, Howie was just starting his professional career with the Oakland Raiders. Diane made the decision to put her own career on hold to support her husband's dreams and eventually raise their family. This sacrifice shows the depth of her character and commitment to their relationship.
Life as Howie Long Wife Diane Addonizio: Supporting an NFL Career
Being married to an NFL player isn't easy. The constant travel, physical demands of the sport, and public attention can put enormous strain on any relationship. But Diane Addonizio handled it with grace and strength. Throughout Howie's 13-year career with the Raiders, she was his rock and biggest supporter.
Diane took care of everything at home while Howie focused on football. She managed the household, dealt with the kids, and made sure everything ran smoothly. This allowed Howie to concentrate fully on his game without worrying about what was happening at home. In many interviews, Howie has credited Diane as being essential to his success on the field.
The NFL lifestyle meant Howie was often away from home during training camps and the season. Diane had to be both mother and father to their children during these times. She never complained about it publicly and seemed to understand that this was part of the deal when you marry a professional athlete. Her strength during these challenging times showed her true character.
After Howie retired from playing in 1993, he transitioned into broadcasting and acting. Once again, Diane supported his new career path. She understood that Howie needed new challenges and was willing to adapt their family life to accommodate his evolving career. This flexibility and support have been key to their lasting marriage.
Raising the Long Family: Three Sons and Their Success
One of Diane Addonizio's greatest accomplishments is raising three successful sons with Howie. Chris, Kyle, and Howie Jr. have all made their mark in different ways, and much of their success can be attributed to their mother's influence and guidance.
Chris Long is the oldest son, born in 1985. He followed in his father's footsteps and became an NFL defensive end. Chris was drafted second overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2008 and had an outstanding 11-year career in the league. He won two Super Bowl championships and was known for his charitable work off the field. Chris has publicly credited his mother for keeping him grounded and teaching him the importance of giving back to the community.
Kyle Long was born in 1988 and also became an NFL player. He played as an offensive guard for the Chicago Bears and made three Pro Bowl appearances during his career. Kyle has spoken about how his mother emphasized education and personal development, not just athletic achievement. This balanced approach helped him succeed both on and off the field.
Howie Long Jr., born in 1990, chose a different path. Instead of playing professional football, he works in player personnel for the Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders). He's a scouting assistant and has built a respectable career in the front office side of football.
Diane made sure all three boys understood the value of education, hard work, and humility. She didn't let them coast on their father's fame. Instead, she pushed them to create their own identities and work for their success. This parenting approach has clearly paid off.
Diane Addonizio's Career and Personal Interests
Before fully dedicating herself to family life, Diane Addonizio had her own successful career as a lawyer. She graduated from Villanova University School of Law and practiced for several years. Her legal background gave her a strong foundation for handling the business aspects of her family's life, including contracts and financial planning.
While she eventually stepped back from practicing law to focus on raising her children, Diane never completely abandoned her professional interests. She has been involved in various business ventures over the years and has been a smart advisor to Howie regarding his career decisions and endorsement deals.
Diane is also passionate about fitness and healthy living. She maintains an active lifestyle and has instilled these values in her children. The Long family is known for their commitment to physical fitness, and much of that comes from Diane's influence.
In her free time, Diane enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She's not the type to seek the spotlight or attend every Hollywood event. Instead, she prefers quiet family gatherings and meaningful experiences with the people she loves most.
The Secret to a Lasting Marriage: Over 40 Years Together
In a world where celebrity marriages often end in divorce, the relationship between Howie Long and his wife Diane Addonizio stands out as a remarkable success story. They've been married for over 42 years, which is practically unheard of in the entertainment and sports world. So what's their secret?
According to both Howie and Diane, the foundation of their marriage is mutual respect and genuine friendship. They like each other as people, not just as romantic partners. This friendship has helped them navigate the tough times that every marriage faces. They also share similar values when it comes to family, work ethic, and integrity.
Communication has been another key factor. Despite Howie's busy career, they've always made time to talk and stay connected. They don't let problems fester or go unaddressed. Instead, they tackle issues head-on and work together to find solutions.
Diane's willingness to sacrifice her own career ambitions for the family was a significant factor in their success. However, Howie has always acknowledged and appreciated these sacrifices. He's made sure Diane knows how valued she is and has supported her interests and goals whenever possible.
The couple also maintains a healthy sense of humor about life and doesn't take themselves too seriously. They've learned to laugh together and not sweat the small stuff. This lighthearted approach has helped them maintain perspective during stressful times.
Life Away from the Spotlight: Diane's Private Nature
Unlike many celebrity wives who embrace the limelight, Diane Addonizio has consistently chosen privacy over publicity. She doesn't have public social media accounts and rarely gives interviews. This intentional distance from fame has allowed her to maintain a normal life and protect her family from unnecessary scrutiny.
Diane's private nature isn't about being unfriendly or standoffish. Those who know her describe her as warm, kind, and genuinely interested in others. She simply doesn't feel the need to share her life with millions of strangers on the internet. In today's oversharing culture, this restraint is actually quite refreshing.
This privacy has also benefited her children. By keeping their family life private, Diane gave Chris, Kyle, and Howie Jr. the space to develop their own identities without constant media pressure. They could make mistakes and learn from them without everything being documented and critisized online.
Even as her sons became famous athletes themselves, Diane maintained her boundaries. She supports them publicly when appropriate but doesn't seek attention for being their mother. This humble approach has earned her tremendous respect from fans and sports media alike.
Howie Long's Tribute to His Wife
Over the years, Howie Long has been vocal about his appreciation for his wife Diane Addonizio. In numerous interviews, he's credited her as the real MVP of their family. He's said that none of his success would have been possible without her support and sacrifice.
Howie has spoken about how Diane handled everything at home during his playing days, allowing him to focus completely on football. He's also praised her parenting skills and the values she instilled in their sons. According to Howie, Diane is the reason their boys turned out to be good men, not just good athletes.
In his Hall of Fame induction speech in 2000, Howie made sure to thank Diane and acknowledge her role in his success. He called her his best friend and the love of his life. These public declarations of love and gratitude have given fans a glimpse into their strong relationship.
Even now, years after his retirement, Howie continues to praise Diane. He's said that growing old with her is one of his greatest blessings. This enduring love and appreciation after more than 40 years of marriage is truly inspiring.
The Long Family Today
Today, the Long family remains close-knit despite everyone having their own busy lives. Diane Addonizio continues to be the glue that holds everyone together. She organizes family gatherings and makes sure everyone stays connected despite their different locations and schedules.
With her sons now adults with their own careers, Diane has more time to pursue her own interests. However, her focus remains on family. She's a proud mother who continues to support her sons in all their endeavors. She attends games when she can and celebrates their achievements, both big and small.
Howie is now retired from his broadcasting career with Fox Sports, which means he and Diane get to spend more time together. They enjoy traveling and have been spotted at various sporting events supporting their sons and enjoying life.
The family splits their time between their home in Virginia and other properties. They value their privacy and continue to live relatively normal lives despite their fame and success. This grounded approach to life is a testament to the values Diane has always championed.
Lessons We Can Learn from Diane Addonizio
Diane Addonizio's life offers several valuable lessons for all of us. First, she shows us that supporting your partner's dreams doesn't mean losing your own identity. While she stepped back from her law career, she remained involved in business and maintained her own interests.
Second, Diane demonstrates the importance of privacy in the digital age. You don't need to share everything online to live a fulfilling life. In fact, maintaining some privacy can actually enhance your quality of life and protect your family.
Third, her parenting approach teaches us that raising successful children isn't about giving them everything they want. It's about teaching them values, work ethic, and humility. Diane didn't let her sons coast on their father's fame. She made them work for their own success.
Finally, Diane shows us that a successful marriage requires sacrifice, communication, and mutual respect. Her 42-year marriage to Howie Long proves that lasting love is possible, even in the challenging world of professional sports and entertainment.
According to Our blog, relationships built on genuine respect and shared values have the best chance of lasting long-term. Diane and Howie's marriage perfectly exemplifies this principle.
Key Takeaways
- Diane Addonizio has been married to NFL legend Howie Long for over 42 years
- She graduated from Villanova University with a law degree before focusing on family
- Diane and Howie have three sons: Chris, Kyle, and Howie Jr., all successful in their own right
- She maintains a private lifestyle despite being married to a famous athlete
- Her support and sacrifice were crucial to Howie's success on and off the field
- Diane emphasizes education, humility, and hard work in raising her children
- The couple's marriage success is built on friendship, respect, and communication
- She chose family over career advancement but remained involved in business matters
- Diane's parenting approach helped all three sons develop their own identities
- She represents the importance of staying grounded despite fame and success
Quick Facts About Diane Addonizio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Diane Addonizio |
| Birth Year | 1962 |
| Birthplace | Red Bank, New Jersey |
| Education | Villanova University (Law Degree) |
| Profession | Former Lawyer, Businesswoman |
| Spouse | Howie Long (married 1982) |
| Children | Chris Long, Kyle Long, Howie Long Jr. |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Known For | Wife of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Howie Long meet Diane Addonizio? Howie Long met Diane Addonizio while they were both students at Villanova University in the early 1980s. They fell in love during their college years and got married on June 27, 1982, just as Howie's NFL career was beginning.
What does Diane Addonizio do for a living? Diane Addonizio is a former lawyer who graduated from Villanova University School of Law. She practiced law before choosing to focus on raising her family. She has also been involved in various business ventures throughout her life.
How many children do Howie Long and Diane Addonizio have? Howie Long and his wife Diane Addonizio have three sons together: Chris Long (born 1985), Kyle Long (born 1988), and Howie Long Jr. (born 1990). All three have been involved in football in different capacities.
Is Diane Addonizio on social media? No, Diane Addonizio maintains a very private lifestyle and does not have public social media accounts. She prefers to keep her personal life away from the public eye and values her family's privacy.
How long have Howie Long and Diane Addonizio been married? Howie Long and Diane Addonizio have been married since June 27, 1982, which means they've been together for over 42 years. Their lasting marriage is considered one of the most successful in professional sports.
Where does Diane Addonizio live now? Diane Addonizio lives primarily in Virginia with Howie Long. The family has maintained their privacy regarding their exact location, but they are known to have properties in different locations and split their time accordingly.
Conclusion
Diane Addonizio may not be a household name like her husband Howie Long, but her impact on their family's success cannot be overstated. As Howie Long's wife, Diane Addonizio has been the foundation upon which an entire family's success was built. Her dedication to her family, her sacrifice of her own career ambitions, and her unwavering support of her husband and children have created a legacy that extends far beyond football.
In a world where celebrity marriages often crumble under pressure, the relationship between Howie Long and his wife Diane Addonizio serves as a beacon of hope. Their 42-year marriage proves that with the right person, commitment, and shared values, lasting love is absolutely possible. Diane's story reminds us that sometimes the most important work happens behind the scenes, away from the cameras and crowds.
As we look at the success of the Long family, from Howie's Hall of Fame career to their sons' achievements in football and beyond, we can see Diane's influence in every accomplishment. She may prefer the shadows to the spotlight, but her light shines brightly through the lives of those she loves. Diane Addonizio is proof that you don't need fame or recognition to make a profound difference in the world. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes from simply being there for the people who matter most.