Howie Long
NFL Hall of Fame Defensive End and Broadcaster · Football - NFL
Los Angeles Raiders
Era
Modern Era - Circa 2010 to Present
Item Type
NFL White-Panel Football
Condition
Excellent - The signature is bold with virtually no fading; the ball surface appears clean with minor shelf wear
Rarity
Commonly available; Long is a prolific and consistent signer at public events and private sessions
Overall Assessment
A classic, high-quality example of a Raiders legend's signature on a preferred medium for display
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (85% confidence level pending physical inspection)
Signature Style
Stylized script featuring a distinctive loopy 'H' and 'L' followed by his jersey number '75'
Signature Characteristics
Fluid motion, heavy pen pressure, consistent slant, and a specific circular flourish on the tail of the 'g'
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie) on a white synthetic surface
Item Description
A commemorative or 'logo' football featuring white synthetic panels designed specifically for clear autograph display
Estimated Value
$60.00 - $125.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches high-quality private signing exemplars from 2015-2022 closely, particularly the digit formation
Authentication Tips
Look for the natural '75' placement and the specific loop crossover on the 'H' which is consistent with his recent graph
Certification Recommendation
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) or JSA (James Spence Authentication)
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink shows natural bleed common on synthetic leather
Provenance Notes
Obtained likely at a sports convention or a Fanatics-style private signing event
Historical Context
Long was a 8-time Pro Bowler and a key member of the Super Bowl XVIII championship team
Market Trends
Stable; value remains consistent due to his dual fame as a player and his long broadcasting career
Investment Potential
Low - while a Hall of Famer, the high volume of his signatures in the market limits rapid appreciation
Similar Autographs
Marcus Allen, Bo Jackson, or Tim Brown (other Raiders Hall of Famers)
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected acrylic cube; avoid direct contact with humidity to prevent 'tackiness' on the white panel
Interesting Facts
Long is known for having one of the most legible and aesthetically pleasing signatures among modern NFL legends