Howie Long's College Career: A Pro Football Legend's Early Days.

How exactly did Howie Long's collegiate career shape his legendary NFL tenure?

Howard Matthew Moses Long, better known as Howie Long, is a former American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Howie Long played as a defensive end for the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders from 1981 to 1993. During his time at Villanova, Long was a standout defensive lineman. His 15 sacks in 1980 led the nation and helped Villanova win the national championship.

Long's collegiate success laid the groundwork for his exceptional NFL career. He was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Long quickly became a force on the Raiders' defense, helping them reach Super Bowl XVIII in his rookie season. He was a key member of the Raiders' "Silver and Black" defenses of the 1980s, which were known for their toughness and physicality. Long was named to eight Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Howie Long's collegiate career at Villanova was a significant stepping stone in his journey to becoming a legendary NFL player. His outstanding performance in college showcased his talent and determination, which he carried with him to the NFL. Long's dedication and hard work both on and off the field throughout his collegiate career laid the foundation for his future success.

Howie Long College

Howie Long's collegiate career was a significant stepping stone in his journey to becoming a legendary NFL player. His outstanding performance in college showcased his talent and determination, which he carried with him to the NFL. Long's dedication and hard work both on and off the field throughout his collegiate career laid the foundation for his future success.

• National Champion: Long was a member of Villanova's 1980 national championship team.
• All-American: Long was a consensus All-American in 1980.
• Sack Leader: Long led the nation in sacks in 1980 with 15.
• High Draft Pick: Long was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft.
• Pro Bowl: Long was named to eight Pro Bowls during his NFL career.
• Hall of Famer: Long was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

These key aspects of Howie Long's collegiate career highlight his talent, dedication, and hard work. They also show how his success in college paved the way for his legendary NFL career. Long is a role model for young athletes, showing them that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

National Champion

Howie Long's success in college was a major factor in his success in the NFL. As a member of Villanova's 1980 national championship team, Long showcased his talent and determination on a national stage. This experience helped him develop the skills and confidence he needed to succeed in the NFL.

• Leadership: As a leader on Villanova's national championship team, Long learned how to motivate and inspire his teammates. This leadership experience was invaluable in the NFL, where he was a captain of the Raiders for many years.
• Teamwork: Playing on a national championship team taught Long the importance of teamwork. He learned how to work with others to achieve a common goal. This teamwork experience was essential in the NFL, where he was part of several successful teams.
• Mental Toughness: Winning a national championship requires mental toughness. Long learned how to overcome adversity and never give up. This mental toughness was a key factor in his success in the NFL, where he played through injuries and helped his team win two Super Bowls.

Howie Long's experience as a member of Villanova's 1980 national championship team was a major factor in his success in the NFL. He learned valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and mental toughness that helped him become one of the best defensive players in NFL history.

All-American

Being named a consensus All-American in 1980 was a major accomplishment for Howie Long. It showed that he was one of the best college football players in the country. This recognition helped him get drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Long went on to have a successful NFL career, playing in eight Pro Bowls and winning two Super Bowls.

Long's success in college was a major factor in his success in the NFL. As a consensus All-American, he had the talent and determination to succeed at the highest level. He was also able to learn from some of the best coaches in the country, which helped him develop the skills he needed to be a successful NFL player.

Long's story is an inspiration to young athletes. It shows that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Long was a small-town kid who went on to become one of the best football players in the world. His success is a testament to the power of determination and hard work.

Sack Leader

Leading the nation in sacks in 1980 with 15 was a major accomplishment for Howie Long. It showed that he was one of the most dominant defensive players in college football. This accomplishment helped him get drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Long went on to have a successful NFL career, playing in eight Pro Bowls and winning two Super Bowls.

Long's success as a pass rusher in college was a major factor in his success in the NFL. As a sack leader, he had the talent and determination to succeed at the highest level. He was also able to learn from some of the best coaches in the country, which helped him develop the skills he needed to be a successful NFL player.

Long's story is an inspiration to young athletes. It shows that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Long was a small-town kid who went on to become one of the best football players in the world. His success is a testament to the power of determination and hard work.

High Draft Pick

Howie Long's success in college was a major factor in his high draft pick in the 1981 NFL Draft. As a consensus All-American and the national leader in sacks, Long was one of the most sought-after players in the draft. The Raiders were fortunate to select him with the 42nd overall pick in the second round.

• Talent and Production: Long's outstanding performance in college showcased his talent and production. He was a dominant force on the defensive line, and his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback was highly coveted by NFL teams.
• Leadership and Character: Long was also a leader on Villanova's national championship team. His leadership skills and strong character were evident both on and off the field. NFL teams value players who are not only talented but also have the character and leadership qualities to contribute to team success.
• NFL Potential: Long's physical tools and intangibles suggested that he had the potential to be a successful NFL player. His size, strength, and athleticism were all NFL-caliber. Additionally, his work ethic and determination were evident in his college career.

Howie Long's high draft pick was a testament to his talent, production, and potential. His success in college paved the way for his successful NFL career, which included eight Pro Bowls, two Super Bowl wins, and a Hall of Fame induction.

Pro Bowl

Howie Long's success in college was a major factor in his selection to eight Pro Bowls during his NFL career. As a consensus All-American and the national leader in sacks, Long showcased his talent and potential at the highest level of college football. This recognition by NFL scouts and coaches paved the way for his successful NFL career.

Long's accomplishments in college, particularly his exceptional pass-rushing skills, laid the foundation for his dominance in the NFL. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and coaches. As a result, he was consistently selected to the Pro Bowl, which is an annual all-star game featuring the best players in the NFL.

Long's eight Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his consistent performance and excellence throughout his NFL career. His success in college provided him with the platform and recognition necessary to reach the highest levels of professional football. It is evident that his achievements in college played a significant role in shaping his exceptional NFL career.

Hall of Famer

Howie Long's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 stands as a testament to his exceptional NFL career and the foundation laid during his collegiate years at Villanova University. His collegiate success paved the way for his professional achievements and ultimately contributed to his enshrinement in the Hall of Fame.

• Exceptional College Career: Long's outstanding performance at Villanova, including his consensus All-American honors and national leadership in sacks, showcased his talent and potential. These accomplishments garnered attention from NFL scouts and coaches, propelling him towards a successful professional career.
• Foundation for NFL Dominance: Long's collegiate success provided a solid foundation for his NFL dominance. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, disrupt opposing offenses, and lead his team to victory translated seamlessly into the professional ranks. The skills and experience he honed in college became the cornerstone of his NFL achievements.
• Consistency and Longevity: Long's eight Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl wins are a testament to his consistent performance and longevity in the NFL. His ability to maintain a high level of play throughout his career is a reflection of the work ethic and determination he developed during his collegiate years.
• Recognition and Legacy: Long's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the ultimate recognition of his exceptional career. It solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history and serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

In conclusion, Howie Long's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 is inextricably linked to his successful collegiate career at Villanova University. His exceptional performance in college laid the foundation for his NFL dominance, consistency, and longevity. Long's Hall of Fame induction serves as a testament to the profound impact his collegiate achievements had on his illustrious professional career.

FAQs on Howie Long College

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding Howie Long's collegiate career and its impact on his NFL success.

Question 1: What were Howie Long's major accomplishments during his collegiate career?

Howie Long's collegiate career was marked by several significant accomplishments. He was a member of Villanova's 1980 national championship team, earned consensus All-American honors, and led the nation in sacks with 15 in 1980. These achievements showcased his exceptional talent and potential as a defensive lineman.

Question 2: How did Long's collegiate success contribute to his NFL draft status?

Long's collegiate success played a pivotal role in his high draft status in the 1981 NFL Draft. His outstanding performance and accolades garnered attention from NFL scouts and coaches, who recognized his potential as a dominant pass rusher. As a result, he was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the draft.

Question 3: What impact did Long's collegiate experiences have on his NFL career?

Long's collegiate experiences provided him with a solid foundation for his NFL career. The skills and techniques he developed in college, combined with his competitive spirit and work ethic, translated seamlessly into the professional ranks. He became a dominant force on the Raiders' defense, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and winning two Super Bowls.

Question 4: How is Long's collegiate legacy recognized today?

Howie Long's collegiate legacy continues to be recognized and celebrated. He is remembered as one of the most outstanding defensive players in Villanova history. His accomplishments and contributions to the team's success have cemented his place in the university's athletic history.

Question 5: What lessons can be learned from Howie Long's collegiate journey?

Howie Long's collegiate journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring athletes and individuals. It highlights the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success. His ability to overcome challenges, excel in a competitive environment, and make a lasting impact serves as an inspiration to those seeking to reach their goals.

Question 6: How can we access more information about Howie Long's collegiate career?

There are various resources available to learn more about Howie Long's collegiate career. Villanova University's athletic website provides detailed information on his accomplishments and contributions to the team. Additionally, numerous articles, interviews, and documentaries have been produced that delve into his college football journey.

In conclusion, Howie Long's collegiate career played a significant role in shaping his exceptional NFL career. His outstanding performance, accolades, and experiences in college laid the foundation for his success as a dominant defensive player and Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Transition to the next article section: Howie Long's NFL Career.

Howie Long's Collegiate Career

Howie Long's collegiate career at Villanova University was a defining chapter in his journey to becoming one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. His exceptional performance, accolades, and experiences in college laid the groundwork for his success as a cornerstone of the Raiders' defense and a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Long's collegiate achievements showcased his talent, leadership, and unwavering determination. His contributions to Villanova's national championship victory and his dominance as a pass rusher garnered national recognition and propelled him towards a successful NFL career. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, Long established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the field.