In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, Hall of Famer and long-time Fox NFL Sunday analyst Howie Long has announced his departure from the broadcasting booth to return to the gridiron—this time as an assistant coach with the Denver Broncos. After more than two decades of shaping football narratives and offering sharp analysis from the studio, Long’s decision to trade in his blazer for a headset marks not just a career pivot but a full-circle return to the game that shaped his life.
Long, who has become a Sunday staple for millions of football fans across the country, made the announcement with a mix of reflection and renewed energy. “After more than 20 years of analyzing the game from the outside, I’ve felt a strong desire to return to the field and have a more direct impact on the game,” Long said in a statement. “Football has always been my passion, and this opportunity with the Denver Broncos allows me to reconnect with that passion on a deeper level.”
The announcement was met with surprise and intrigue, particularly from those who have grown accustomed to Long’s measured, authoritative voice on Fox’s flagship pregame show. Since joining the network in 1994, Long has helped shape how the modern fan consumes the sport. His blend of Hall of Fame experience, old-school toughness, and television savvy made him one of the most respected figures in sports media. To see him leave the comfort of the studio for the daily grind of coaching is a testament to his love for the game and the unyielding pull it still holds over him.
What makes this transition even more compelling is the organization he’s joining. The Denver Broncos, a franchise steeped in tradition and desperate for a return to championship relevance, are in the midst of a cultural and strategic overhaul. Bringing in someone like Long—who commands instant respect and brings decades of knowledge—is a bold move that could signify a turning point for the team. While his specific role on the coaching staff has not yet been officially detailed, sources within the Broncos organization confirm that Long will work closely with the defensive line, mentoring both players and younger coaches.
It’s a logical fit. Long, a Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end, built a career on physical dominance, mental preparation, and a relentless motor. Drafted by the Raiders in 1981, he spent 13 seasons terrorizing quarterbacks, earning eight Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl ring in the process. His toughness, versatility, and leadership on the field are precisely the qualities Denver’s defense has been striving to recapture. For a team that has leaned heavily on defensive identity in its most successful years—including the “No Fly Zone” era and the legendary Orange Crush defenses—Long’s arrival brings instant credibility.
In many ways, this decision represents a homecoming to what Long has always cherished most: the visceral energy of the field, the daily chess match of preparation, and the camaraderie of locker room life. As much as he enjoyed the bright lights of network television, the transition back into football’s trenches speaks to something deeper—a longing for immersion, for impact, for legacy. And Long, true to his competitive nature, isn’t coming back just to be a figurehead. Those close to him say he’s been preparing quietly for this move for years, studying modern schemes, adapting to analytics, and even consulting with active coaches to stay sharp.
Fox Sports released a heartfelt statement thanking Long for his incredible service and wishing him well in his new chapter. “Howie Long has been a cornerstone of Fox NFL Sunday since day one,” the statement read. “His insights, authenticity, and charisma elevated the show and made it what it is today. While we will deeply miss his presence on Sundays, we applaud his decision to return to the game he loves and wish him nothing but success with the Denver Broncos.”
Long’s colleagues on the broadcast team—Terry Bradshaw, Jimmy Johnson, Michael Strahan, and Curt Menefee—offered their own messages of support and admiration. “We’re gonna miss the big fella,” Bradshaw said during a special segment. “There’s nobody like him. But I know that fire in his belly never left. He’s gonna do great things in Denver.”
Strahan, who also played defensive line and has often credited Long as a mentor, said, “I’ve learned so much just sitting next to him. He’s a teacher at heart. And now he gets to teach on the field again.”
Coaching has long been a route many former players consider, but few make the leap after such a successful media career. The lifestyle differences are stark—TV offers a structured schedule, generous compensation, and nationwide visibility. Coaching, on the other hand, is a grind: long hours, countless meetings, and immense pressure to perform. But for Long, those challenges seem more like rewards. Sources indicate he was actively involved in discussions with Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who sees Long not just as a coach, but as a culture-setter—someone who can galvanize the locker room and bring a championship mindset.
This move also represents something of a generational handoff. Long’s sons—Chris and Kyle—have both made their marks in the NFL. Chris, a two-time Super Bowl champion, has followed in his father’s footsteps both on the field and as a media personality. Kyle, an All-Pro offensive lineman, briefly joined the Kansas City Chiefs before retiring. With his sons now retired and carving their own paths, Howie Long’s return to football almost feels symbolic: a continuation of the Long family’s deep connection to the sport, now expressed through leadership rather than gameplay.
Broncos fans have every reason to be excited. The franchise has endured a stretch of instability, particularly at the quarterback position and in the coaching ranks. But with Sean Payton at the helm and now Howie Long on the sideline, there’s a sense of renewed direction. Long’s presence will not only bolster the defensive line but will likely influence the entire team culture—injecting a sense of professionalism, discipline, and hunger.
As for what’s next, Long says he’s focused on the work ahead, not the noise around his decision. “I’m not doing this for the headlines,” he said in a brief media appearance. “I’m doing it because I believe I can help. I believe in what the Broncos are building, and I’m ready to give everything I have to this team.”
There’s a poetic beauty in this moment. A man who spent his playing days in silver and black, and his broadcasting days in front of millions, now returns to football’s frontline in orange and blue. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of competition, to the itch that never really goes away. And perhaps most importantly, it’s a reminder that for the truly passionate, there’s no substitute for being in the game.
In an era where former players are often content to remain on camera and in comfort, Howie Long is blazing a different trail—one defined not by status, but by service. He’s not chasing fame. He’s chasing fulfillment. And in doing so, he may just help lift a storied franchise back to its rightful place among the NFL’s elite.
Only time will tell how this new chapter unfolds. But one thing is certain: football just got a little more interesting, a little more intense, and a whole lot more authentic. Because Howie Long is back where he belongs—on the field, in the fight, and once again at the heart of the game he loves.
