After months of speculation and cryptic messages on social media, one Chicago Bears veteran says he’s played his last down for the team.
Chicago Bears right guard Kyle Long, one of the longest-tenured players on the team, tweeted out a few messages on Sunday evening indicating he’ll be stepping away from the game to focus on his body and offered heartfelt thanks to the city.
Some chicagoans are probably happy to hear I’m finally stepping away and getting my body right. Some Chicagoans may be sad to hear this. Either way ufeel about it, I want u to know how lucky I am to have spent time in your city. I became a man while playing in Chicago.Thank you❤️
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) January 6, 2020
Long continued, thanking the Chicago Bears organization for bringing him and keeping him around.
Special thanks to Phil Emery, Marc Trestman and the rest of that staff for bringing me in. Thanks to and happy birthday to the young lady named Virginia as well. Ryan pace, thank you for keeping me around as well 🙏🏼
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) January 6, 2020
Long’s messages stem from another tweet earlier in the evening, when a fan asked how excited he was to work with new offensive line coach Juan Castillo. Long’s response was a gif of former Los Angeles Lakers President Magic Johnson when he resigned from his position, saying “I’m not going to be here.”
https://t.co/m749ynGWyW pic.twitter.com/VBlba2xtle
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) January 5, 2020
The former 2013 first-round draft pick brought stability and leadership to an offensive line that lacked both since center Olin Kreutz left in 2010. Long ends his Bears career with three Pro Bowl selections in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and was named second-team All-Pro in 2014.
Long struggled with injuries over the last four years, however, needing surgeries to repair a torn shoulder, broken ankle and more from 2016 through 2018.
After spending last offseason surgery-free, Long felt he was in the best shape of his life and was eager to return to the football field. But after early struggles in 2019, Long was placed on injured reserve following the Bears’ Week 5 loss to the Oakland Raiders, ending his season and effectively his career with the Bears. He was the second-longest tenured player on the team, behind defensive back Sherrick McManis.
While Long didn’t officially come out to say he’s retiring, his tweets indicate he won’t be playing football anytime soon.
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