Countdown to 2020: Best Raiders player to wear No. 75 all-time
Howie Long (1981-93)
Howie Long is yet another Raider all-timer that is also one of the best players in the history of the NFL. Long’s list of individual accolades is lengthy and reflects the type of dominant player that he was over his 13-year career.
After being selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft, Long took a couple years to get warmed up before becoming a full-time starter in 1983. He helped lead the team to their third and most recent Super Bowl title. That alone would have given him this honor but let’s take a look at some of the accolades Long earned during his time in Los Angeles.
Over 13 years, Howie Long was a Pro Bowler 8 times, First-Team All-Pro 3 times, Second-Team All-Pro twice, and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1985. After his career was over, he was named to the NFL’s1980s All-Decade Team and in 2000, was voted in to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming yet another Raiders great to earn that achievement.
Long is one of the most beloved players in team history and his jersey is still one of the most popular among Raiders fans including those who have never seen him play. Many argue that he is the best defensive player to ever wear Silver and Black and given the glorious history of the Raiders, that is quite the achievement.