Introduction
Howie Long, the former NFL player turned sportscaster, has been married to Diane Addonizio for over three decades. The couple has three sons, Chris, Kyle, and Howard Jr. who have all followed in their father’s footsteps to build successful sports-related careers. While Howie’s achievements on the field and on-screen are well-known, not much is known about his wife Diane. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and achievements of Howie Long’s wife, Diane Addonizio.
The Love Story
Howie Long and Diane Addonizio first met in the 70s when they were both studying at Villanova University. Howie was a year ahead of Diane, and he was already a star football player for the varsity team. Diane was immediately attracted to Howie, who she thought was not only handsome but also confident. Their first date was watching a football match on TV in Howie’s dorm room, and soon after, they started dating officially. They got engaged after Howie graduated from university and got married in a private ceremony on June 27, 1982.
Diane Addonizio’s Background and Education
Diane Addonizio was born in 1962 in Red Bank, New Jersey, to Frank Addonizio and Maria Cecere. She attended Villanova University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in classical studies. She then went on to study law at the University of Southern California School of Law and worked as an attorney for a brief period before quitting to focus on raising her family.
Diane Addonizio’s Charitable Work
Like most wives of NFL players, Diane Addonizio has been involved in several charitable projects. She was associated with the NFL Head UP Football Advisory Committee, which supports the development of youth and high school football initiatives. The couple once donated a million dollars to their alma mater, Villanova University, to advance athletics. She has also been part of a panel discussion at the Walter Payton Center, educating mothers of football players on football safety.
Howie and Diane’s Sons
Howie and Diane have three sons, all of whom have successful sports-related careers. Chris Long, the eldest son, is a retired NFL defensive end who played for several teams, including the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles. Kyle Long, the second son, is an NFL guard who played for the Chicago Bears and is currently signed to the Kansas City Chiefs. Howie Jr., the youngest son, played varsity football at the University of Virginia and now works in the sports industry as a Player Personnel consultant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Diane Addonizio may not be as well-known as her husband Howie Long, but she has been a pillar of support for him throughout their over three decades of marriage. She has also been involved in several charitable projects and has raised three successful sons. As fans of Howie Long and his family, we can all appreciate and admire the achievements of the Long family, both on and off the field.