Diane Addonizio is a woman whose name may not ring loudly in the world of celebrity headlines, but her story is deeply tied to strength, dedication, and quiet influence. Known widely as the wife of NFL Hall of Famer and sports analyst Howie Long, Diane has lived much of her life away from the spotlight, yet her presence has been central to the success of her husband and their three sons. She is a former lawyer, a devoted mother, and a philanthropist whose values reflect the power of family, education, and service. Her life is an example of how someone can create a lasting legacy without ever chasing fame.
Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diane Addonizio |
| Date of Birth | 1960 (some records mention March 16, 1962) |
| Place of Birth | Red Bank, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Education | Villanova University (Classical Studies), University of Southern California (Law Degree) |
| Profession | Former Lawyer, Philanthropist, Author |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Howie Long (NFL Hall of Famer, FOX Sports Analyst) |
| Children | Chris Long, Kyle Long, Howie Long Jr. |
| Known For | Legal career, Philanthropy, Supportive role in the Long family legacy |
| Residence | Virginia, United States |
| Social Media | Not publicly active |
Early Life and Background
Diane Addonizio was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, a quiet town with strong community values. Growing up in a conservative Catholic family, her early life revolved around school, church, and the deep ties of family. These foundations played a major role in shaping her character. She was raised in a household where discipline, respect, and education were highly valued. From a young age, Diane displayed a natural curiosity for learning, and it was this curiosity that would eventually guide her toward an impressive academic path.
Educational Background
Diane attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where she studied Classical Studies. This was not an easy path, but it showed her love for knowledge and intellectual growth. After completing her undergraduate degree, she went on to the University of Southern California School of Law. By choosing law, she demonstrated her ambition and commitment to building a serious career for herself.
How She Looks and Her Age
Diane Addonizio was born in 1960, which makes her about 65 years old as of 2025. Some reports mention 1962 as her birth year, but most agree on 1960. She has always been known for her graceful and elegant appearance, with blonde hair, a tall frame, and a natural sense of style. Even today, she carries herself with confidence and dignity, showing that her beauty comes not only from looks but also from the way she presents herself.
Meeting with Howie Long
It was during her years at Villanova that Diane met Howie Long. Their first encounter may have seemed simple at the time, but it grew into a relationship built on respect, shared values, and a deep emotional bond. Unlike many stories of celebrity couples, their love was never about fame or fortune. Diane and Howie built their relationship on trust and companionship. They began dating during their college years and eventually married in 1982, just before Howie’s career with the Oakland Raiders took off. Their marriage became a story of loyalty and stability in a world where professional sports marriages often face challenges. For over four decades, they have stood together, raising their family and facing life as a team.
Who Is Howie Long?
Howie Long is a former American football player who became one of the most respected defensive ends in the NFL. Born on January 6, 1960, in Somerville, Massachusetts, he played his entire professional career with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders after being drafted in 1981. During his 13 seasons in the league, he earned eight Pro Bowl selections and helped lead the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory in 1984. Known for his strength, speed, and relentless style of play, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
After retiring from football, Howie smoothly transitioned into broadcasting and has been a longtime analyst on FOX NFL Sunday, where his insight and personality have made him a household name. Beyond sports, he has also appeared in movies and television, but he is most admired for his successful career, professionalism, and long-standing marriage to Diane Addonizio.
Career and Professional Life
Diane’s professional life began in law. She had earned her law degree and briefly practiced as an attorney. While she had the potential to grow in the legal world, she eventually made the decision to step back from her career. This was not because she lacked ambition but because she valued being present for her family. At a time when Howie’s career was demanding, filled with travel and the pressures of the NFL, Diane decided her role at home was just as important.
It was a conscious choice, one that ensured her children would grow up in a supportive environment where their mother was always there to guide them. Even though she left formal practice, her knowledge of the law was far from wasted. Diane applied her skills in managing the family’s financial and legal matters. She played a quiet but important role in supporting her husband’s business ventures and endorsement deals, making sure the Long family had a strong and secure foundation.
Her Children
Diane Addonizio and Howie Long have three sons, and all of them have built successful careers in football and sports. Their oldest son, Chris Long, played as a defensive end in the NFL, won two Super Bowls, and later became well known for his charity work through the Chris Long Foundation. Their second son, Kyle Long, played as an offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears and later moved into broadcasting after his playing career. Their youngest son, Howie Jr., chose a different path in the sport and works in football operations with the Las Vegas Raiders. Each of her children has spoken about how much their mother’s guidance, discipline, and support influenced their lives.
Privacy in Public Life
What stands out about Diane is her ability to remain private in a world where her family has been constantly in the spotlight. While her husband became a household name in the NFL and later on television, and her sons rose to prominence in professional football, Diane chose to keep her life personal and grounded. She has never sought attention or recognition for herself. She avoids the chaos of social media and rarely gives interviews. For Diane, protecting her family’s integrity and creating a stable home has always been more important than fame. This decision to stay away from publicity has allowed her children to build their own identities without being overshadowed by constant media exposure.
Philanthropy and Contributions
Beyond family, Diane has been involved in philanthropy. Much like her husband and sons, she believes in giving back. She has supported causes related to education, children, and veterans. While her contributions are often quiet and not heavily publicized, they reflect her character—more concerned with making a difference than being recognized. Through her influence, the Long family has become known not just for football achievements but also for charitable work, including the Chris Long Foundation’s efforts to provide clean water and support underserved communities. Diane’s values of service and humility clearly shaped her children and the family’s broader legacy.
Author and Entrepreneurial Side
One lesser-known aspect of Diane’s life is her role as an author. In 2000, she published a book titled He’s Just My Dad!: Portraits of Celebrity Athletes and Their Children. The book combined her interest in sports and family, featuring photographs and stories that highlighted the father-child bond among well-known athletes. The project showed her creativity and her ability to connect personal interests with professional endeavors. It was another way she left her mark, even while staying away from the limelight.
Supporting Howie Long’s Broadcasting Career
Diane’s support has also been key in Howie Long’s post-NFL career. After retiring from professional football, Howie transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a long-time analyst on FOX NFL Sunday. Behind the scenes, Diane helped him navigate this new phase. Her legal knowledge and analytical skills were valuable when reviewing contracts and media opportunities. More importantly, her emotional support ensured that Howie remained grounded as he adjusted to the demands of a new career. Their relationship has always been more than a traditional marriage—it has been a true partnership in every sense, built on respect, love, and shared responsibility.
Legacy and Influence
Diane Addonizio’s legacy is built on quiet strength, dedication, and the values she passed on to her family. While she chose to live away from the spotlight, her role as a supportive wife to Howie Long and a guiding mother to their three sons has been central to their success. She taught her children the importance of education, humility, and giving back, lessons that are clear in their careers and charitable work. Her life shows that true influence does not always come from fame but from the love, stability, and principles that shape the people around you.
A Timeless Love Story
The love story between Diane and Howie Long remains one of the most enduring in professional sports. Married for over forty years, they have faced the highs and lows of life together, always with loyalty and respect. Their journey is more than just a marriage—it is a partnership that has stood the test of time. In a world where celebrity relationships often make news for their failures, Diane and Howie stand out as an example of what lasting love looks like. Their story is proof that behind every successful man often stands a remarkable woman. In Howie’s case, that woman is Diane Addonizio—a wife, a mother, a professional, and above all, a person of quiet strength and grace.
Net Worth and Finances
Diane Addonizio has an estimated net worth of around $1 million, which comes from her short career as a lawyer, her work as an author, and her involvement in family investments. Her husband, Howie Long, has built a much larger fortune of about $16 million through his long NFL career and later work as a television analyst with FOX Sports. Together, they have created a stable and comfortable life for their family in Virginia, showing how teamwork and smart decisions have supported their financial success over the years.
Conclusion
Diane Addonizio is a woman whose life story shows the strength of love, family, and quiet dedication. From her early years in New Jersey to her education in law and her lasting marriage to NFL legend Howie Long, she has always chosen values over fame. While she once worked as a lawyer and even published a book, her greatest achievements are seen in the success of her children and the stable, supportive home she created. She has also given back through philanthropy, teaching her family the importance of service and humility. Diane’s journey proves that true influence is not about being in the spotlight but about shaping lives with care, wisdom, and integrity.
FAQs About Diane Addonizio
1. Who is Diane Addonizio?
Diane Addonizio is a former lawyer, author, and philanthropist, best known as the wife of NFL Hall of Famer and sports analyst Howie Long.
2. How old is Diane Addonizio?
Diane was born in 1960, which makes her about 65 years old in 2025. Some sources mention 1962, but 1960 is most often cited.
3. How did Diane Addonizio and Howie Long meet?
They met while studying at Villanova University and later married in 1982, just before Howie started his NFL career with the Raiders.
4. Does Diane Addonizio have children?
Yes, Diane and Howie Long have three sons: Chris Long, a two-time Super Bowl champion; Kyle Long, a former Chicago Bears lineman; and Howie Jr., who works in football operations.
5. What is Diane Addonizio’s net worth?
Her personal net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, while her husband Howie Long has an estimated net worth of about $16 million.
