Hunter Long is a rising star in the NFL, playing as a tight end for the Los Angeles Rams. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, after a stellar college career at Boston College. But is he related to another famous NFL tight end, Howie Long? The answer is no, they are not blood relatives. However, they do share some similarities and connections in their football journeys. Here’s what you need to know about Hunter Long and Howie Long.
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Hunter Long: A Promising Prospect
Hunter Long was born on August 19, 1998, in Exeter, New Hampshire. He grew up playing football, basketball and track in high school, before doing a postgraduate year at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts. He committed to Boston College, where he played as a tight end from 2017 to 2020. He redshirted his first year, but then became a key contributor for the Eagles, earning All-ACC honors in his junior and senior seasons. He finished his college career with 89 receptions for 1,297 yards and nine touchdowns.
Long was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 81st overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the team, but did not see much action in his first season, playing in only four games and catching one pass for eight yards. He was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in March 2023, along with a third-round draft pick, in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. He is expected to compete for a starting role with the Rams, who have a new head coach in Sean McVay and a new quarterback in Matthew Stafford.
Long is known for his size, athleticism and versatility as a tight end. He can line up as an inline blocker, a slot receiver or a split end. He has good hands, route-running skills and yards-after-catch ability. He also has a high football IQ and work ethic, which have earned him praise from his coaches and teammates.
Howie Long: A Hall of Famer
Howie Long was born on January 6, 1960, in Somerville, Massachusetts. He grew up in Charlestown, Boston, where he played football, basketball and boxed in high school. He attended Villanova University, where he played as a defensive end from 1977 to 1980. He earned All-American honors in his senior year and was named the MVP of the Blue-Gray Football Classic.
Long was drafted by the Oakland Raiders with the 48th overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft. He played his entire 13-year career with the Raiders, both in Oakland and Los Angeles. He was one of the most dominant defensive players of his era, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors. He helped the Raiders win Super Bowl XVIII over the Washington Redskins, recording a sack and a forced fumble in the game. He finished his career with 91.5 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
Long was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. After retiring from playing, he pursued a career in acting and broadcasting. He has appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as Broken Arrow , Firestorm and The Longest Yard . He also serves as a studio analyst for Fox’s NFL coverage. He is married to Diane Addonizio and has three sons who also played football: Chris , Kyle and Howie Jr.
The Connection Between Hunter Long and Howie Long
Although Hunter Long and Howie Long are not related by blood, they do have some connections through their football careers. Both of them are from Massachusetts and played college football at Villanova University (although Hunter transferred there after his freshman year). Both of them were drafted by the Raiders franchise (although Hunter was traded before playing a game for them). Both of them wear number 84 on their jerseys (although Hunter switched from number 80 after joining the Rams).
Additionally, both of them have expressed admiration for each other’s game and achievements. Hunter has said that he grew up watching Howie on TV and that he tries to emulate his toughness and leadership on the field. Howie has said that he is impressed by Hunter’s talent and potential and that he hopes he can have a successful career in the NFL.
According to sitename Wealthy Peeps , there is no direct relation between Hunter and Howie . Despite not being related by blood , the two Longs share a deep love and respect for the game of football .
