When people talk about NFL legends, they often focus on the players who shine on the field. But behind every great athlete, there is usually someone special who supports them. For Howie Long, that person is his wife, Diane Addonizio. She is not just known as the wife of a famous football player. Diane has her own interesting story as a lawyer, businesswoman, and mother of three successful sons.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Diane Addonizio |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 16, 1962 |
| Age | 63 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Red Bank, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Villanova University (Classical Studies), USC School of Law (Law Degree) |
| Profession | Lawyer, Businesswoman, Author |
| Spouse | Howie Long (married since 1982) |
| Children | Chris Long, Kyle Long, Howard Long Jr. |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 million |
Early Life and Growing Up
Diane was born on March 16, 1962, in Red Bank, New Jersey. She grew up in a family that believed strongly in education and hard work. Her father, Frank Addonizio, was a military veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War. After his military service, he worked in security. Her mother, Marie Cecere, was a housewife who focused on raising the family with love and good values.
Diane also has a brother named James, who became a lawyer just like his sister. Growing up in this kind of family taught Diane important lessons about working hard and helping others.
Education and Love for Learning
Diane was always a good student who loved learning. She went to Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where she studied Classical Studies. This is where she met Howie Long, who was playing college football at the time. After finishing at Villanova, Diane wanted to continue her education. She went to the University of Southern California School of Law and earned her law degree.
Her education in law gave her strong skills in thinking clearly and solving problems. These skills helped her not only in her career but also in managing her family life.
A Love Story That Started in College
The story of how Diane and Howie met is quite sweet. They met at Villanova University in the 1970s. Diane was attracted to Howie right away. She said in an interview that she had never met someone so big who was also so good-looking.
Their first date was simple but memorable – Howie invited Diane to his room to watch an NFL game on TV. This showed his love for football, and it showed that Diane was the kind of person who enjoyed spending time with him, even doing something as simple as watching a game.
They got married on June 27, 1982, just as Howie was starting his career with the Raiders in the NFL. Their marriage has lasted over 40 years, which is quite special in a world where many celebrity marriages end quickly.
Career: From Lawyer to Family Woman
After finishing law school, Diane started working as a lawyer. She was smart and worked hard in her job. However, when Howie’s football career became more demanding, Diane made an important choice. She decided to step back from her law career to focus on her family.
This decision was not easy, but Diane felt it was important to give her husband and children the support they needed. She wanted to create a stable and loving home for her family while Howie traveled and played football.
Later, Diane also became interested in business. She tried different business projects, though most people do not know the details because she keeps her work life private. She also wrote a book called “He’s Just My Dad!” which talks about famous athletes and their relationships with their children.
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Being a Mother to Three NFL Sons
One of Diane’s greatest achievements is raising three wonderful sons. All three of them have connections to professional football, just like their father.
Chris Long is the oldest son, born in 1985. He played as a defensive end in the NFL for teams like the St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles. Chris won two Super Bowl championships during his career. He is now retired from football and has become a successful podcast host. Chris is married to Megan O’Malley, and they have two children.
Kyle Long is the middle son, born in 1988. He played as an offensive guard for the Chicago Bears. Kyle had a great career in the NFL and was known for his strength and skill. He is now retired and has also started a podcast.
Howard Long Jr. is the youngest son, born in 1990. Unlike his brothers, Howard did not play professional football. Instead, he works in the sports business as a personnel worker for the Oakland Raiders, his father’s former team. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Anthropology.
All three sons have said that their mother played a big role in their success. Diane made sure they understood that education and good character were just as important as sports.
A Quiet Life Away from Fame
Even though Diane is married to a famous person and has famous sons, she chooses to live a quiet life. She does not like being in the spotlight. She rarely uses social media and prefers to keep her personal life private.
The Long family lives in Virginia, showing their wish for privacy and a quieter life. This choice has helped them maintain a normal family life despite being connected to the NFL.
Diane has also been involved in charity work. She cares about football safety and has worked with organizations that help make the sport safer for young players. She believes in giving back to the community and helping others.
The Secret to a Long Marriage
Many people wonder how Diane and Howie have stayed married for more than 40 years. The answer seems to be simple: they support each other, respect each other, and put family first.
Howie has said many times that Diane has been very important to his success. She gave him a stable home life so he could focus on his career. She was there through all the difficult times and all the victories.
Their relationship shows that real love is about being partners. It is about supporting each other’s dreams while building something together as a family.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Diane’s net worth is around $1 million, which she earned through her law work, business projects, and book sales. Her husband, Howie Long, has a much higher net worth of about $16 million from his football career and his work as a sports analyst on television.
The couple owns a beautiful home in Virginia worth about $6 million. They live comfortably but do not show off their wealth. They prefer a simple and private lifestyle focused on family.
What Makes Diane Special
Diane Addonizio is special because she shows that success comes in many forms. She had a promising career as a lawyer, but she chose to focus on her family instead. This choice helped create a strong and loving home that raised three successful sons.
She is smart, strong, and caring. She supports her husband while also being her own person. She values privacy but also cares about helping others through charity work.
Diane’s story teaches us that being successful does not always mean being famous. Sometimes the most important success is building a happy family and supporting the people you love.
Conclusion
Diane Addonizio may be known as Howie Long’s wife, but she is so much more than that. She is a educated woman who made thoughtful choices about her career and family. She is a mother who raised three successful sons. She is a partner who has supported her husband for over 40 years.
Her life shows that real strength often comes quietly, through love, dedication, and putting family first. While many people chase fame, Diane chose something different – she chose a meaningful life focused on the people she loves. That is what makes her story truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Diane Addonizio and Howie Long meet?
They met at Villanova University in the 1970s when both were students. Howie was playing college football, and they started dating after he invited her to watch an NFL game in his dorm room.
2. How many children do Diane and Howie have?
They have three sons: Chris Long, Kyle Long, and Howard Long Jr. All three have careers connected to professional football, either as former players or working in the sports business.
3. What does Diane Addonizio do for work?
Diane started her career as a lawyer after graduating from law school. She later stepped back from practicing law to focus on her family. She has also worked in business and wrote a book about athletes and their children.
4. How long have Diane and Howie been married?
Diane and Howie have been married since June 1982, which means they have been together for over 40 years. Their long marriage is admired by many people.
5. What is Diane Addonizio’s net worth?
Diane’s net worth is around $1 million. Her husband Howie Long has a net worth of about $16 million. Together, they live comfortably in their home in Virginia and enjoy a quiet family life.
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