Diane Addonizio is an American former attorney and author best known as the wife of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long. She was born in Red Bank New Jersey and grew up in an Italian American family. She built a professional life of her own before stepping back to focus on her family having practiced law in Los Angeles and later published a book about celebrity athletes and their children. She has been married to Howie Long since 1982 and together they raised three sons two of whom went on to play in the NFL.
Diane Addonizio Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Diane Addonizio |
| Known As | Wife of Howie Long |
| Birth Date | March 16, 1962 |
| Birthplace | Red Bank, New Jersey |
| Age | 64 years (2026) |
| Education | Villanova University; USC Law |
| Career | Former attorney, author |
| Spouse | Howie Long (married 1982) |
| Children | 3 sons |
| Notable Book | He’s Just My Dad! (2000) |
| Net Worth | Around $1 million |
| Residence | Albemarle County, Virginia |
Early Life and Family Background
Diane Addonizio was born on March 16 1962 in Red Bank New Jersey. She came from a traditional Italian American household with her father Frank Addonizio having served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later working as a security officer. Her mother was Marie Cecere and she grew up alongside her brother James who also became an attorney. Details about her childhood remain within her family private life but her New Jersey roots and close knit upbringing shaped the grounded personality she later became known for.
Education and Law Degree
Diane attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies in 1982. It was during her time at Villanova that she met Howie Long who was studying communications and playing football. After graduation she continued her education at the University of Southern California where she pursued a law degree. She earned her Juris Doctor from USC and was admitted to the California Bar with records indicating her admission in the late 1980s. Her classical studies background gave her strong analytical and communication skills which she later applied to her legal training.
Career as an Attorney
After completing law school Diane practiced law in Los Angeles for several years. She built a promising legal career during a time when balancing a demanding profession with a growing family was particularly challenging. As her husband NFL career progressed and their family expanded she made the decision to step away from full time legal practice to focus on raising their three sons. Her legal training did not go to waste however as she applied her sharp organizational and negotiation skills to managing the family affairs and supporting her husband career transitions.
How Diane Addonizio Met Howie Long
Diane and Howie met at Villanova University in the late 1970s when she was a freshman and he was a sophomore. Their first real date was simple as Howie invited her to his dorm room to watch an NFL game on a small black and white television his grandmother had given him. She later recalled her first impression of him as moody and intense but also strikingly handsome saying she had never met anyone that big who was that good looking. It took her some time to understand his guarded nature but their connection grew from that modest beginning into a lasting relationship.
Diane Addonizio Marriage to Howie Long
Diane Addonizio and Howie Long married on June 27 1982. Their union began just as his NFL career with the Raiders was taking off and she became a steady presence through the many moves and demands of professional football. Over four decades later their marriage remains intact and is often described as one of the most stable partnerships in sports. She has credited their enduring bond to patience mutual respect and her willingness to understand his driven personality rather than fight against it.
Diane Addonizio Children
Diane and Howie Long have three sons all of whom found their way into the world of professional football in different capacities.
Chris Long
Christopher Howard Long was born on March 28 1985 and is the couple oldest son. Chris followed his father into the NFL as a defensive end playing for the St. Louis Rams New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles over an eleven season career. He won two Super Bowls and retired in 2019 later becoming a podcast host. Chris is married to Megan O Malley and the couple has children making Diane a grandmother.
Kyle Long
Kyle Long was born on December 5 1988 and also pursued professional football. He played as an offensive guard spending most of his career with the Chicago Bears after being selected in the 2013 NFL Draft. Kyle later had a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs and has also ventured into media work following a path similar to his father transition from playing to broadcasting.
Howie Long Jr.
Howard Long Jr. born in 1990 is the youngest of the three sons. Unlike his brothers he did not become an NFL player. Instead he built a career on the business side of professional sports working in premium sales for the Las Vegas Raiders organization. His role shows that the Long family connection to football extends well beyond the playing field.
Career as an Author
In 2000 Diane Addonizio published a book titled He s Just My Dad Portraits of Celebrity Athletes and Their Children. The book is a collection of behind the scenes photographs and stories featuring famous athletes with their children offering a rare glimpse into the family lives of sports stars. Her inspiration for the project came from her own experience raising children within the high pressure world of professional athletics. The book reflects her interest in the human side of celebrity and the quiet moments that shape athletes as parents not just as competitors.
Philanthropy and Community Work
Diane Addonizio has been involved in community service and youth programs for many years. She served on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Virginia and acted as honorary chair for a fundraising campaign that supported a new club facility in Charlottesville. She also worked with USA Football Heads Up program where she hosted safety clinics and spoke to football mothers about recognizing concussion symptoms proper helmet fitting and heat illness prevention. In 2015 Diane and Howie Long donated one million dollars to Villanova University their shared alma mater to support athletic facilities and the broader campus community.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Diane has chosen a quiet life far from the entertainment world. She and Howie live in Albemarle County Virginia on a large private property where she maintains normal daily routines. During her sons school years at St Anne s Belfield she was known as a dedicated sports mom and community volunteer rather than a celebrity spouse. She does not keep active public social media accounts and rarely gives interviews letting her husband and sons speak publicly while she stays in the background.
Diane Addonizio Net Worth
Diane personal net worth is not officially confirmed but some sources estimate it at around one million dollars. Her husband Howie Long has a reported net worth of approximately sixteen million dollars from his NFL career broadcasting work and acting roles. The couple lives comfortably and has made significant charitable donations including the one million dollar gift to Villanova University.
Where Is Diane Addonizio Now
Diane currently lives with Howie in Albemarle County Virginia. Her three sons are all grown and have moved into their own careers and families. Chris retired from the NFL and hosts a podcast while running his foundation Kyle has worked in media and Howie Jr works on the business side for the Raiders organization. Diane continues her involvement with community causes and remains a steady presence in the Long family life.
Diane Addonizio Family Legacy
The Long family story reflects Diane quiet but lasting influence. She raised three sons who each found success in the football world and her oldest son Chris has often credited her values for shaping his commitment to charity and service. Her husband thanked her publicly during his Pro Football Hall of Fame speech for the sacrifices she made for their family. Diane legacy is not built on fame or publicity but on the stable home she created and the character she passed on to her children.
Interesting Facts About Diane Addonizio
- Diane studied Classical Studies at Villanova University before going to law school. This humanities background gave her strong analytical and communication skills that helped her in legal training and family management.
- Her first date with Howie Long was very simple. He invited her to his dorm room to watch an NFL game on a small black and white television. She later said she found him moody and hard to approach at first.
- In 2000 she published a book called He s Just My Dad Portraits of Celebrity Athletes and Their Children. The book featured about 200 behind the scenes photos of athletes with their children at home.
- The photography team for her book was led by National Geographic photographer Sam Abell.
- In 2015 she and her husband donated one million dollars to Villanova University. The school named its weight room the Howie Long Strength Training Center in their honor.
- Her oldest son Chris Long donated his entire 2017 season salary to educational and social justice causes. This decision reflected the family values of giving back that Diane emphasized while raising her children.
- She served on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Virginia and worked with USA Football Heads Up program on safety clinics for young players and their mothers.
- She keeps a very private life with no active public social media accounts and rarely gives interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diane Addonizio
1. Who is Diane Addonizio?
She is the wife of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long. She is also a former corporate lawyer and the author of a book about athletes and their children.
2. Is Diane Addonizio still married to Howie Long?
Yes. The couple married on June 27, 1982 and their marriage is still current.
3. Was Diane Addonizio really a lawyer?
Yes. She earned her law degree from USC and was admitted to the California Bar in 1987. She worked as a corporate litigator before stepping away to raise her family.
4. How many children do Diane and Howie Long have?
They have three sons: Chris, Kyle and Howie Jr..
5. What book did Diane Addonizio write?
She published He’s Just My Dad! Portraits of Celebrity Athletes and Their Children in 2000.
6. How old is Diane Addonizio?
She was reportedly born on March 16, 1962, which makes her 64 years old in 2026.
7. What is Diane Addonizio’s net worth?
Her personal net worth is not officially confirmed. Some sources estimate it at around $1 million.
Conclusion
Diane Addonizio is more than just the wife of a famous athlete. She built her own path through education, law, and writing before choosing to focus on her family. Her quiet strength shaped a home that produced three successful sons and a marriage that has lasted over four decades. Her story shows that a meaningful life is not always measured by public attention but by the values passed on to the next generation. She stands as a strong example of how dedication, patience, and a grounded nature can leave a lasting mark on a family and a community.
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