Diane Addonizio is an American former attorney, author, and philanthropist best known as the wife of NFL legend Howie Long. Beyond her connection to professional football, she has built a meaningful life through her legal career, family responsibilities, and charitable work.
A graduate of Villanova University and the University of Southern California, Diane practiced law before focusing on raising her three sons. Her marriage to Howie Long has lasted more than four decades, making their family one of the familiar names in American football.
Diane Addonizio’s Quick Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diane Addonizio |
| Also Known As | Diane Long |
| Birth Year | 1960 |
| Age (2026) | Approximately 66 years |
| Birthplace | Red Bank, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Reportedly 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Profession | Retired Attorney, Author, Philanthropist |
| Education | Villanova University; University of Southern California |
| Marital Status | Married to Howie Long since 1982 |
| Children | Chris Long, Kyle Long, Howard Long Jr. |
| Net Worth | No reliable personal estimate available; husband Howie Long is commonly estimated at around $16 million |
| Social Media | No established official personal accounts; family and charitable updates appear through the Chris Long Foundation |
Who Is Diane Addonizio?
Diane Addonizio, also known as Diane Long, is a retired corporate attorney and published author. She gained recognition through her marriage to Howie Long, a former Raiders defensive end and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Although she maintains a private lifestyle, Diane has contributed to youth development programs, educational initiatives, and charitable organizations. Her background reflects both professional achievement and a longstanding commitment to family and community service.
Diane Addonizio’s Early Life and Education
Diane was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, in 1960, according to the Chris Long Foundation. Some celebrity biographies report March 16, 1962, as her birthday, although the foundation lists an earlier birth year.
She attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where she studied Classical Studies and graduated in 1982. She later pursued a law degree at the University of Southern California.
Villanova’s records indicate that Diane completed her legal education in 1986 and was admitted to the California Bar in 1987, establishing the foundation for her professional career.
Image source: Dailymagazineny.com
Diane Addonizio’s Legal Career
After law school, Diane began working as an attorney, specializing in corporate litigation. Her profession involved business-related legal disputes and commercial matters.
She practiced law while Howie Long was developing his NFL career. However, as their family grew, Diane eventually decided to step away from legal practice to focus on raising their children.
During his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2000, Howie acknowledged her professional sacrifices and thanked her for supporting their family throughout his football career.
Her Work as an Author
Diane also established herself as an author with the publication of He’s Just My Dad!: Portraits of Celebrity Athletes and Their Children in 2000.
The book features photographs and personal stories about well-known athletes and their relationships with their children. Rather than focusing on professional achievements, it presents a more personal picture of fatherhood in sports.
Its subject closely reflects Diane’s experiences raising children in a family deeply connected to professional football.
How Diane Addonizio Met Howie Long
Diane met Howie Long while they were students at Villanova University. She was studying Classical Studies, while Howie was building his reputation as a college football player.
According to Sports Illustrated, their first real date involved watching an NFL game on a small black-and-white television in Howie’s college room.
Their relationship developed during their university years, and they married in June 1982, shortly after Diane graduated. Their college romance became the foundation of a marriage lasting more than four decades.
Diane Addonizio and Howie Long’s Marriage
Diane and Howie Long have been married since June 1982, celebrating approximately 44 years together in 2026.
Throughout their marriage, Howie built a successful football career with the Raiders, winning Super Bowl XVIII and earning eight Pro Bowl selections. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 before continuing his career as a television sports analyst.
Diane supported the family during these transitions while developing her own interests in writing and charitable work. Their longstanding relationship remains an important part of the Long family’s story.
Image source: News.amomama.com
Diane Addonizio’s Children
Diane and Howie have three sons: Chris Long, Kyle Long, and Howard Long Jr. All three followed career paths connected to professional football.
Chris Long, born March 28, 1985, played defensive end for the St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles. He won two Super Bowl championships and later became known for his philanthropic work through the Chris Long Foundation.
Kyle Long, born December 5, 1988, became an NFL offensive lineman. He played primarily for the Chicago Bears, earned three Pro Bowl selections, and later joined the Kansas City Chiefs.
Howard Long Jr., the youngest son, pursued a different role in football. Rather than becoming a professional player, he worked in football operations and business-related positions with the Raiders organization.
Diane Addonizio’s Charity Work
Charitable work has remained an important part of Diane’s life. She has served as a longtime board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia, supporting programs that provide educational and recreational opportunities for young people.
According to the Chris Long Foundation, she helped lead fundraising campaigns to develop new facilities for children and families.
Diane has also participated in youth football safety initiatives and serves on the Chris Long Foundation’s board, supporting its educational and humanitarian efforts.
Diane Addonizio’s Age, Height, and Net Worth
Diane Addonizio was born in 1960, according to her Chris Long Foundation biography, placing her age at around 66 in 2026.
Her height is commonly reported as approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm), while some entertainment biographies list her weight at around 128 pounds (58 kg).
Her personal net worth has no established figure. Although Diane previously worked as an attorney and published a book, her individual finances are not documented in detail. Her husband has accumulated wealth through professional football, television broadcasting, and entertainment work.
Where Is Diane Addonizio Now?
Diane continues to lead a relatively private life while maintaining connections to charitable organizations and her family.
Her Chris Long Foundation biography identifies her as a retired attorney and community volunteer. She remains associated with youth development initiatives and nonprofit activities.
Although she occasionally appears at public events alongside her husband, Diane generally stays outside the entertainment spotlight. Her current interests appear centered on family, philanthropy, and community involvement rather than professional legal practice.
Conclusion
Diane Addonizio has built a life shaped by education, professional achievement, family, and charitable service. From practicing corporate law to raising three sons connected to the NFL, her contributions extend beyond her marriage to Howie Long.
Her decades-long relationship, writing career, and involvement with youth organizations reflect a lasting commitment to the people and communities around her.
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FAQs
Who is Diane Addonizio?
Diane Addonizio is a retired American attorney, author, and philanthropist. She is best known as the wife of former NFL player and sports analyst Howie Long.
How did Diane Addonizio meet Howie Long?
Diane met Howie while attending Villanova University. Their relationship began during college, and they married in June 1982.
What is Diane Addonizio’s educational background?
She graduated from Villanova University in 1982 with a degree in Classical Studies. She later studied law at the University of Southern California.
Does Diane Addonizio have children?
Yes, she has three sons: Chris Long, Kyle Long, and Howard Long Jr. Chris and Kyle played professionally in the NFL, while Howard Jr. worked in football operations and business.
What does Diane Addonizio do now?
Diane is retired from legal practice and focuses on family and community activities. She has been involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia and the Chris Long Foundation.
