Kyle Long has endured a difficult challenge to his career. Things began great for the former 1st round pick. He went to three-straight Pro Bowls from 2013 to 2015 without missing a single game. That changed in 2016. A process began that year of the star guard enduring one physical calamity after another. Just that season alone he suffered a torn labrum, a strained triceps, and a badly broken ankle.
The shoulder problems persisted with him in 2017 and had further ankle issues along with mangled up fingers. Things finally seemed to settle down by the start of 2018. Several offseason surgeries saw the lingering health issues fixed and he managed to get through the first seven games without mishap. Then he tore a ligament in his foot against the New York Jets and missed the next two months.
Thankfully he returned in time for the playoffs and did not suffer any further setbacks. Long also managed to avoid offseason surgery for the first time since 2016. According to head coach Matt Nagy, this has led him to feel the best he has in forever. So much so that he did something rather unusual during training camp.
“Where he’s at right now is in a good place. And so he’s worked hard for that. He’s all-in. He’s committed. Even today, he’s out there running around when we gave some other guys similar in age a vet day. And so that’s a credit to him, and we want to just make sure that he gets stronger and stronger, and then when we get to Week 1, he’s at the best he’s ever been.”
Long himself backed up that statement with one of his own.
A renewed Kyle Long only helps the Bears offense
The Bears offensive line was one of the best units on the entire team in 2018. A core reason Mitch Trubisky was able to take a step forward in his progression. Charles Leno Jr. and Cody Whitehair both ended up in the Pro Bowl. Bobby Massie had a career year and rookie James Daniels flashed loads of potential. If this group can get a Long who is back to his old Pro Bowl form this season, there is no telling how much better the offense will be.
If nothing else, this is simply great news for the man himself. Long is a favorite among fans. An undeniable character who loves the organization and works his tail off to help it win. What he's endured the past few years might make other players think about retirement. Some even said that would be the wiser course of action. He didn't listen. Long battled through and finally seems to be back in a good place.
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