Diane Addonizio is best known as the wife of former NFL star Howie Long, but there is more to her life than being married to a famous football player. She studied law, worked as an attorney, wrote a book, and raised three sons who later found their own places in professional football. While her husband spent years playing in front of huge crowds, Diane was building a life that rarely made the news.
Born on March 16, 1962, in Red Bank, New Jersey, Diane followed a path that first took her to Villanova University and later to law school. It was during her college years that she met Howie Long. Neither could have known just how much their lives would change in the years ahead.
The couple married in 1982 and have stayed together for more than four decades. Through Howie’s football career, their children’s growing years, and the changes that came with retirement, Diane has remained an important part of the Long family.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diane Addonizio |
| Also Known As | Diane Long |
| Date of Birth | March 16, 1962 (reported) |
| Age | 64 Years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Red Bank, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Attorney, Author, Businesswoman |
| Education | Villanova University |
| Law Degree | University of Southern California |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Howie Long |
| Marriage Date | June 27, 1982 |
| Children | Chris Long, Kyle Long, Howie Long Jr. |
| Famous For | Being the wife of NFL legend Howie Long |
Who Is Diane Addonizio?
Diane Addonizio is an American former lawyer and author. Most people know her because of her marriage to Howie Long, who played for the Raiders and later became a television football analyst.
Diane had her own plans before her husband’s name became famous across America. She wanted an education and a professional career, which led her to study law. She worked in the legal profession before eventually spending more time at home with her children.
She has never been someone who regularly appears in interviews or shares every part of her life with the public. Much of what people know about her comes from her education, professional work, and the football careers of her husband and sons.
Diane Addonizio’s Early Life
Diane was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, on March 16, 1962. She grew up in New Jersey, although very little has been publicly shared about her childhood, parents, or early family experiences.
Her early interest in education eventually took her away from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. She attended Villanova University, where she began preparing for life after college.
Unlike people who become famous through television or entertainment, Diane did not grow up with a public career in mind. Her name became familiar to football fans much later, after Howie Long established himself in the NFL.
Although details about her younger years remain limited, her later achievements show that education and professional work were important parts of her life.
Education and College Years
Diane Addonizio attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where she studied Classical Studies. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1982.
Her time at Villanova was important for another reason. It was there that she met Howie Long, who was playing football for the university. What began as a college relationship eventually became a lifelong partnership.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Diane continued her education at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She earned her law degree in 1986 and was admitted to the California Bar in 1987.
Studying law while adjusting to married life was no small responsibility. Diane’s educational journey shows that she continued working towards her career goals even after her husband entered professional football.
How Diane Addonizio Met Howie Long
Diane and Howie Long first crossed paths while attending Villanova University. Howie was a college football player with hopes of reaching the professional level, while Diane was focused on completing her studies.
Their relationship began before Howie became one of the most recognized defensive players in the NFL. In 1981, he joined the Oakland Raiders, beginning the career that would eventually take him to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Diane had known him before the major games, television appearances, and national recognition. Their relationship continued as Howie began his professional football career.
After spending time together during their college years, the couple decided to marry in 1982.
Marriage to NFL Legend Howie Long
Diane Addonizio and Howie Long married on June 27, 1982. Their marriage began when Howie was still at the start of his professional football journey.
Over the next several years, Howie became one of the NFL’s leading defensive players. He spent his entire 13-season career with the Raiders franchise and helped the team win Super Bowl XVIII.
His achievements brought him national attention. In 2000, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After retiring from playing, he became a football analyst on FOX Sports.
Throughout these changes, Diane remained his wife and the mother of their three children. Their marriage has lasted for more than 44 years, something that continues to interest fans who follow the Long family.
During his Hall of Fame induction speech, Howie publicly thanked Diane and recognized the sacrifices she had made for their family.
Diane Addonizio’s Three Sons
Diane and Howie Long have three sons: Chris Long, Kyle Long, and Howie Long Jr. Football became an important part of their lives, although each son followed a different career path.
Their eldest son, Chris Long, was born in 1985. He became an NFL defensive end and played for the St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles. Chris won two Super Bowl championships and later became involved in charity work.
Their second son, Kyle Long, was born in 1988. He followed his father into professional football and became an offensive lineman. Kyle spent much of his career with the Chicago Bears and earned several Pro Bowl selections.
Their youngest son, Howie Long Jr., took a different route. Instead of playing professionally, he worked in football operations with the Raiders organization.
All three sons grew up with a father whose career was closely connected to the NFL. Diane was also an important part of their upbringing, particularly during the years when Howie’s playing schedule kept him busy.
Diane Addonizio’s Career as a Lawyer
Before spending most of her time raising a family, Diane worked as an attorney. After finishing law school and receiving her California Bar admission, she began practicing law.
Her work included corporate litigation, which involves handling legal disagreements between companies or other business parties.
A legal career requires plenty of preparation, from studying complicated subjects to working through demanding professional responsibilities. Diane had completed the education needed to establish herself in that field.
However, her priorities changed as her family grew. After the birth of her third son, she stepped away from corporate litigation and devoted more time to her children.
Although she is no longer widely known for legal work, her years of study and professional experience remain an important part of her background.
Diane Addonizio as an Author
Law was not Diane’s only professional interest. She also tried her hand at writing and published a book in 2000.
The book, He’s Just My Dad!: Portraits of Celebrity Athletes and Their Children, looks at the relationships between famous athletes and their children.
Rather than concentrating only on records and championships, the book presents athletes as parents. Through photographs and interviews, it explores the family relationships behind well-known sports personalities.
The subject was closely connected to Diane’s own experiences. She had spent years raising children whose father was recognized by football fans across the country.
The book offered readers a chance to see a different side of athletes, one that was not always visible during games or television interviews.
Her Charity and Community Work
Diane has also taken part in charitable activities, particularly those connected to young people and education.
She has been associated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia, an organization that provides educational programs, activities, and support for children and teenagers.
Her involvement has included board service and support for fundraising efforts. These activities allowed her to contribute to causes outside her immediate family.
Diane and Howie have also maintained a connection with Villanova University. In 2015, they made a $1 million commitment to support improvements to the university’s athletic facilities.
Their support for Villanova has a personal connection, since the university played an important role in both their education and their relationship.
Why Diane Addonizio Stays Away From the Spotlight
Being married to a well-known NFL player can bring plenty of public attention. Diane, however, has generally kept a low profile.
She has attended selected events with Howie and appeared with family members on public occasions, but she does not regularly seek media coverage.
There is limited public information about her everyday activities and current professional interests. Details about her personal wealth are also difficult to confirm, despite the estimates published on some celebrity websites.
Diane has never needed a busy public schedule to remain connected to the football world. Her husband and sons have spent years in the sport, while she has largely kept her own life outside the headlines.
Diane Addonizio’s Life Today
Diane remains closely associated with the Long family and its long history in American football. Her husband’s career has continued through television, while their sons have followed careers of their own.
At 64 years old in 2026, based on her reported birth date, Diane has lived through several different chapters of family and professional life.
She began as a university student, became a lawyer, raised three children, and published a book. Along the way, she also became part of one of the better-known families in professional football.
Although she does not share many personal updates publicly, interest in her life continues because of her connection to Howie Long and their children.
Conclusion
Diane Addonizio has spent much of her life outside the public spotlight, even though her family is well known in American football. She built a legal career, explored writing, supported charitable causes, and raised three sons who became involved in the sport.
Her marriage to Howie Long began when they were young and has continued through more than four decades of family life. While many people first hear her name because of her husband, Diane has her own educational and professional history worth knowing about.
Her story is a reminder that the families behind famous athletes often have experiences and achievements that receive far less attention than the games themselves.
(FAQs)
Who is Diane Addonizio?
Diane Addonizio is an American former attorney and author. She is best known as the wife of former NFL player and football analyst Howie Long.
How old is Diane Addonizio?
Diane Addonizio was reportedly born on March 16, 1962. Based on that date, she is 64 years old in 2026.
When did Diane Addonizio marry Howie Long?
Diane married Howie Long on June 27, 1982. They met during their college years at Villanova University.
How many children does Diane Addonizio have?
Diane has three sons: Chris Long, Kyle Long, and Howie Long Jr. All three have careers connected to professional football.
What was Diane Addonizio’s profession?
Diane worked as a lawyer, with experience in corporate litigation. She also wrote the book He’s Just My Dad!: Portraits of Celebrity Athletes and Their Children, published in 2000.
