Howie Long

“The Raiders hit straight up. And thats the way we expect to get hit.”

“I'm happiest when I'm in a helmet.”

“I have all the socks and underwear I need.”

“I was an average football player in college.”

“The identity of the Raiders was linked to Oakland, and the identity of Oakland was linked to the Raiders. They're synonymous. It's one and the same.”

“It's important for kids to realize nothing is given to you.”

“What it comes down to is, people either want to watch what you're doing or they don't.”

“I come hard every play.”

“With the Raiders, you walk a little bit of a fine line. It's hard to be objective, and it's hard to be critical.”

“I was sick a lot, and doctors told my grandmother I'd never grow up to be big and strong. Isn't that ironic?”

“I think people have a different perception of me than what I am. I think they get me confused with Lyle Alzado.”

“I know I'm lucky to be where I am.”

“My poor wife, we stopped on the way back to the suite after our wedding reception so I could pick up a jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread. I mean, I'm not a real exciting guy.”

“Unfortunately, everyone thought that Teri Hatcher was my wife. Matter of fact, I would be with my wife, holding my wife's hand at a football game, and someone would come up to me and say, 'Hey, I love those commercials you do with your wife.' My kids almost had shirts made up that said, 'Teri Hatcher is not my mom.'”

“At the end of the day, it is not about money. It is not about cars. It is about legacy and it is about rings.”

“When I played, I thought I was one of the 10 baddest guys in the world and should change for work in a phone booth. You need to think that way.”

“I had a mental block. I didn't think I could be successful at right end.”

“Running backs like Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders, you were lucky to get a piece of them.”

“For me, coaching in the NFL doesn't fit. I coach high-school football, so I get my fix.”

“I got a concussion on the final play of a game, and I don't remember leaving the field. No one helped me off the field. Apparently I was on my feet and I just followed the crowd of players into the locker room. I don't know where I was or what I did for 10 minutes.”