Before “Fox NFL Sunday” goes live on air, Howie Long is seen writing. Ask the colleagues around him on the set, and they’ll say he’s always writing. Michael Strahan teases Long about it.
Jimmy Johnson laughs at what he calls “volumes” of notes. Terry Bradshaw lovingly calls the often-serious Long “boring” when he doesn’t chime in on jokes — primarily because he’s focused on his notes. Jay Glazer said Long’s handwriting is so small that he has no idea how Long reads his notes.
Advertisement No matter the situation, Long makes sure to jot down detailed notes—even if he admits to using less than 10 percent of those. “It’s the way I’ve always done things. Everybody’s got their little quirks, and those are mine,” Long said.
It’s hard to argue with Long’s approach. Attention to detail helped him become a 1981 second-round NFL Draft pick from Villanova and carve out a Pro Football Hall of Fame career as a defensive lineman with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. Attention to detail also is a reason for his standout career in broadcasting, as he’s put together a résumé highlighted by 30-plus years with Fox.
That focus and detail carry over into the rest of his life, as well. The meticulous approach to being a father and husband is similar to how he aspired for greatness playing for the Raiders and how he has honed his craft as a broadcaster. He can be the target of a joke with his colleagues and peers, but because of Long’s preparation wi.
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