Direct Answer: Who Was Howie Long Married To?
Howie Long, the former NFL defensive end and longtime Fox Sports broadcaster, was married to television actress and model Diane Jean St. Croix (also known as Diane Jean Long) from 1982 until her death in 2022. They met in the early 1980s, married in 1982, and had three sons: Chris, Kyle, and Howie Jr. Diane stepped away from acting after marriage and became known for supporting Long’s career in broadcasting and his community engagements. This evergreen overview clarifies their relationship status, timeline, and key biographical details relevant to public interest.
Background on Howie Long
Before detailing the marriage, it is helpful to understand who Howie Long is and the context of his public life. Howie Long played in the National Football League (NFL) from 1981 through 1993, primarily with the Los Angeles Raiders, and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. After retiring from football, he built a second career as a broadcaster for Fox Sports, where he became widely recognized for NFL game analysis and hosting special events. Alongside his professional milestones, his family life, including his long-term marriage, has been a consistent part of his public profile.
Howie Long’s Wife: Identity and Background
Howie Long’s wife was Diane Jean St. Croix, an American television actress and model. She appeared in several TV shows and films during the late 1970s and early 1980s before transitioning to life away from the spotlight after marrying Long. In public profiles and biographies, Diane is frequently referenced as a supportive partner who managed home life while Long pursued his demanding career in sports media. She retained the surname St. Croix professionally before marriage and used the name Diane Long publicly afterward.
Relationship Timeline and Key Milestones
The relationship timeline is well documented in publicly available sources. Howie Long and Diane Jean St. Croix met in the early 1980s at a time when both were establishing their careers in entertainment and athletics. They married in 1982, a high-visibility year for Long as he was transitioning into the latter part of his NFL career. The marriage lasted until her death in 2022, spanning approximately four decades. During this period, they raised three children and maintained a relatively private family life despite his public-facing career.
Children and Family Life
Together, Howie Long and Diane Jean St. Croix had three sons: Christopher Long, Kyle Long, and Howie Long Jr. All three sons have public profiles to varying degrees, with Kyle Long pursuing a career in professional basketball before transitioning, and Howie Jr. becoming involved in football and media. Diane was known for prioritizing family stability and was frequently cited as a hands-on mother who balanced household responsibilities amid Long’s busy broadcast schedule. The family resided mainly in the Los Angeles area during the height of Long’s broadcasting career.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Media coverage of Howie Long’s marriage has generally focused on the longevity of the relationship and Diane’s role as a supportive spouse. She appeared alongside him at awards shows and family-oriented public events, and multiple outlets have noted her steady presence as a stabilizing factor in his life. Coverage consistently refers to her as a private person who valued family over fame, which aligns with the overall narrative of their life together. There have been no widely reported periods of separation or public discord associated with their marriage.
Verified Relationship and Status Clarification
As of the available public records, Howie Long was married to Diane Jean St. Croix from 1982 until her death in 2022. They were not married to anyone else before or after each other, and there is no evidence of a legal separation or divorce during their union. This long-term, monogamous marriage is regarded as a significant and enduring personal relationship in Long’s biography. The status of the marriage is clearly documented as lasting until her death, following which there have been no reports of him remarrying.
Status and Timeline at a Glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1980s | Meeting and courtship | Established the foundation of their long-term relationship |
| 1982 | Marriage | Legal union that lasted for decades |
| 1983–2022 | Marriage and family life | Raising three children; Diane’s support of Long’s career |
| 2022 | Diane Jean St. Croix’s death | End of the marriage; widely noted in tributes |
Comparative Context and Similar Public Figures
When compared with other former athletes turned broadcasters, Howie Long’s marriage stands out for its duration and stability. Many public figures in sports media have multiple marriages or highly publicized divorces, but Long’s relationship with Diane Jean St. Croix remained consistently intact for forty years. This contrast underscores the newsworthiness of long-term celebrity marriages, particularly when both partners come from different professional worlds such as athletics and entertainment. The steadiness of their partnership also highlights how personal relationships can shape public perception of a career over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Howie Long married to? He was married to Diane Jean St. Croix, a television actress and model.
- When did Howie Long get married? They married in 1982.
- Did Howie Long remarry after Diane’s death? There are no public records or credible reports of him remarrying following her death in 2022.
- How many children did they have? They had three sons: Christopher, Kyle, and Howie Long Jr.
- What was Diane Long known for? She was known as a private person who supported Long’s career and prioritized family life over the spotlight.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Howie Long’s marriage to Diane Jean St. Croix represents a durable personal partnership that spanned from 1982 to 2022. She was his wife and the mother of his three children, and her presence is frequently cited as a stabilizing element in his public life. Understanding who he was married to and the timeline of their relationship provides clarity on an enduring aspect of his biography. This relationship has been consistently documented across reputable sources, confirming its authenticity and long-term nature.