Long was a fearsome force on the Raiders defensive line. Long's signature defensive move was the "rip," which employed a quick, uppercut-like motion designed to break an opposing blocker's grip. Long utilized his quickness and strength to earn eight Pro Bowl selections. Long collected 84 sacks during his career (7.5 are not official as sacks were not an official statistic during his rookie year). He also intercepted 2 passes and recovered 10 fumbles.

After his retirement from the NFL following the 1993 season, Long pursued an acting career, focused mainly on action films, including "Firestorm", a 1998 film in which he starred. He also appears in the movie "Broken Arrow" alongside John Travolta. He played a minor role in the movie 3000 Miles to Graceland, alongside Kevin Costner, Kurt Russell, and Courteney Cox. Long also made numerous cameo appearances on TV shows and commercials. He was a spokesman for Radio Shack, making commercials with actress Teri Hatcher. Some people mistakenly believe that Long and Hatcher are married given the sparring and closeness that are embodied in the commercials.

He is best known today as an analyst for the FOX Network's NFL coverage, where he often plays the "straight man" to the comic antics of co-host Terry Bradshaw, whom Long sacked several times as a player. He hosts an annual award show on FOX, "Howie Long's Tough Guys," in which he honors the NFL players whom he deems the toughest, and gives the toughest of them a Chevrolet truck.

He is known for the military-style crew cut hairstyle he has worn throughout much of his career.

Long has been married since June 27, 1982 to the former Diane Addonizio and they have three sons, one of whom, Christopher, plays football at the University of Virginia. Long will not travel on the same airplane as his wife for fear of orphaning their children