While it was news that felt inevitable this offseason, that didn’t make Kyle Long’s announcement that he was stepping away from the Chicago Bears and the NFL any less heartbreaking.
Long’s potential retirement is bittersweet. On the one hand, Long was one of the best guards in the league when he was healthy, but he was an even better teammate and leader. But on the other hand, Long struggled with injuries later in his career, and he put his body on the line.
Long took to Twitter to confirm that he’ll be stepping away from the game to focus on his body, and he shared his thanks to the fans for their support during his time with the Bears.
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
As you can imagine, Twitter had plenty to say following Long’s tweets that indicated he was hanging up his cleats.
My Dawg!!! Ur passion for the game was incredible. Been thru a lot with u my brotha! I’m excited to see what the future hold for u. Much love my man👊🏾.
— Sherrick (@SherrickM) January 6, 2020
Respect. #2013draft https://t.co/A37Sy1kN72
— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) January 6, 2020
You’ll be missed Kyle Long. Thank you for all the good times. 🐻⬇️ #BearForLife @Ky1eLong #Bears pic.twitter.com/zCH8lVm3rj
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) January 6, 2020
I'm in the super-sad category.
Appreciate your time with the Bears. 🐻⬇️
— Adam Rank (@adamrank) January 6, 2020
I’m not sure you can properly sum up his career in a tweet, but ‘Kyle Long: A Football Life’ would be one heck of a documentary.
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) January 6, 2020
I will miss my interactions/battles with Kyle Long. Great player. Better teammate. An engaging, fun guy who told it like it was. In good times and bad, he always made it interesting. The one guy I will not battle on Twitter — his game is way too strong for me. https://t.co/LiEsuj5CuD
— Mark Potash (@MarkPotash) January 6, 2020
My lasting memory of @Ky1eLong is him spending an inordinate amount of time signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans when we hosted radio shows on @ESPN1000 very early in his career. I thought that was really cool. Still do.
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) January 6, 2020
Kyle Long has tweeted that he will be stepping away from football. This man went through a lot of injuries and a lot of bad Bears seasons. One of the best guards in the NFL when healthy.
Thank you for everything, Kyle. pic.twitter.com/MJB5A2kQU7
— Chicago Bears Nation (@Bears__Nation) January 6, 2020
Appreciate how Kyle Long always stood at his locker and spoke honestly. Good/bad, healthy/injured, 75 honored his responsibility as a team leader. All the best to him as he retires from football and starts his gaming career. Once more for anyone who missed it in August, #BILF. pic.twitter.com/FdfK880QNH
— Mike Berman (@MikeBermanNBC) January 6, 2020
Kyle Long was the best part of some of the worst Bears teams. Dude gave it his all time and time again. Phil Emery had a lot of misses as GM, but he struck gold with Long. https://t.co/5fVkkDjeYy
— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) January 6, 2020
Me seeing the Kyle Long news. He gave it his all during his career in Chicago and did anything he could for the team. Wish him the best in his future endeavors pic.twitter.com/J1TNjRbcc8
— Robert (@SportsfanRob1) January 6, 2020
Gonna miss watching Kyle long turn nfl defenders into pancakes pic.twitter.com/hyvQYvzlIc
— Matt Smith (@MattSmith2297) January 6, 2020
Kyle Long represented the #Bears organization with class, epitomized the toughness that the city embodies, and will go down as one of the more respected players in this franchises history.
Thank you Kyle for all that you've done in navy blue and orange. Enjoy retirement! https://t.co/HEl0ZoGbnA
— Tyler Woods (@Tylow237) January 6, 2020
You’ll be missed was an honor to buy your jersey and represent. All the best man and I still think a podcast with you & @JOEL9ONE would be epic! Can’t wait to see those Twitch streams.
— Tom Fehn (@TFehn21) January 6, 2020
I’m personally conflicted. I always want you on the Bears cracking heads That said I have a tremendous amount of respect for what you guys put your body through to play on Sundays and I can’t begrudge a man for making a decision that affects his livelihood… best of luck man
— Rick Knight (@Rickdaruler773) January 6, 2020
Kyle, thank you for everything, every operation & rehabilitation you endured for us. For every time you planted the opposition on their back, for every time you had our QBs backs & every time you stepped on the field for us.#Bears100 loves you & wishes you the best!
🐻👇🏻
— Bearlissimo 🎩🇬🇧🐻⬇️ (@Bearlissimo1) January 6, 2020