HOUSTON — Like any great dad, Howie Long always was willing to offer advice or just be a listening board for his eldest son, Chris, particularly during his professional football career.

It’s a good place for Chris to get advice. His father is a Pro Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, eight-time Pro Bowl player, three-time All-Pro, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985).

After being drafted second overall out of the University of Virginia, Chris spent eight years with the St. Louis Rams. Eight long (no pun intended) years, all losing seasons, including a 2-14 and 1-15 start to his career.

“I honestly ran out things to say,” said his dad, Howie. “Go get ’em next week. … Hang in there. … Keep working. … I felt really bad getting that phone call (on Sunday nights).”

Father and son still talk almost every day, either on the phone or through text messages. 

This season, Chris has started every game at defensive end for the New England Patriots. 

Dad’s advice?

“Are you kidding? I don’t have to give it to him,” said Howie, who was part of media day in Houston with Fox Sports, which will televise the Super Bowl on Sunday night.

“Chris has been more than fine this year without my input,” said Howie. “If he asks, and sometimes he does, I’ll tell him what I think. Otherwise, I’m just enjoying the ride, especially after some tough years. Chris is a competitor. He takes losing hard. This has been a joy … for all of us.”

Chris had other issues besides losing games. After playing in every game for six straight years (96 games), including a four-year stretch from 2010 to 2013 in which he averaged 10 sacks per season, Chris had consecutive unproductive and injury-riddled years.

He had something to prove. 

That’s when Bill Belichick, who has helped rebuild a few of his players’ careers in New England, called. 

“When Bill calls, you have to listen,” said Chris.

Dad got a call again from Chris, asking for his advice.

“I gave him my thoughts, but the decision was all his,” Howie told the North Andover, Massachusetts Eagle-Tribune. “He wanted to win. I couldn’t blame him.”

Howie has a history with New England. He was born in Somerville and grew up in Charlestown before moving to Milford, where he graduated high school before heading to Villanova for his college football career.

“I remember practicing (behind) Schaefer Stadium, where the Patriots used to play — you should have seen that place, which was built for about $6 million,” Howie said to the assembled media.

Howie’s New England life ended soon after, as he was drafted and starred for the Oakland Raiders, raising a family on the West Coast. He also won a championship in his second year.

“That’s one thing he talked about, taking it for granted that they would win more championships,” said Chris. “He never got back there again. It’s a great lesson. For me, it’s the opposite. I’m getting my shot near the end of my career.”

Howie has had strong views of the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era from 3,500 miles away in the Los Angeles area — all of them good.

“I’ve always been fascinated by them,” said Howie. “From the head coach to the way they go about their business, their ability to morph into (something else) week to week. Players need to be smart to play in New England.”

And what about now, with a source on the inside?

“First of all, Chris tells me nothing. He is The Patriot Way,” said Howie. “Honestly, Chris’ time there has done nothing but confirm everything I thought.”

As for the football game on Sunday, which will be shown on FOX Sports — Howie, James Brown, Jimmy Johnson, Michael Strahan and Terry Bradshaw will work the pregame, halftime and post-game analysis — Howie was asked about his ability to be objective as both an analyst and a dad.

“Do you have any children?” he answered. “I’m a dad first.”

In other words, “Go Chris. Go Pats.”

Burt is executive sports editor for CNHI Sports Boston.