Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long was officially named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2017. That will mark the fourth time in his career he’s earned the honor. There is no doubt this one was probably the most difficult to achieve. It was obvious throughout the season that Long was playing in pain. He’s battled a number of different injuries accumulated since last season.
Even then some fans aren’t happy with him. They feel he hasn’t played up to his usual standard. Doubts are already starting to creep in. It’s less about him being hurt and more he’s just started to regress in his career. The injuries are a convenient excuse. That is neither fair nor true. If only the people understood how much he’s been dealing with.
Well they don’t have to wonder any longer. Long finally broke his silence on the subject of his health. This after photos surfaced of him online of undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck.
Kyle Long toughness won’t ever be questioned again
For people wondering about all my injuries; I’m gonna lay out a timeline for you and it will hopefully help paint a picture of what has transpired the last few years
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
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First three years I played every game except for one or two. I switched positions to help team in third year (also wanted a challenge) learned a lot about OL switching positions
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
Fourth year, back to guard… healthy, dominant and improving on a daily basis. Tore my labrum in preseason. Opted to play the year and be there for my team – plan was to fix after season
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
Late in the fourth year I got rolled up in the pile and mangled my ankle. Surgery and rehab needed… no time for shoulder.
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
Fifth year coming in I was no where near 100% and I did what I could to play and help our young team. As year went on (as a result of shoulder) things happened in proximity of shoulder that were unfortunate. Neck became an issue.
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
Now is time for me to fix myself. Wanted you guys to hear it from me. I’m very excited about what the future holds for this team, and I’m jacked up about being healthy again
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) December 20, 2017
Facts are facts. Long is a warrior and a dedicate teammate. He easily could’ve given up on 2017 and done the surgeries needed to get healthy. Instead he decided to play hurt in order to be there for his teammates. The man doesn’t deserve ridicule. He deserves some sort of medal for that kind of heroism under such torture.
With Long in the lineup the Bears averaged 124.1 yards per game rushing this season. That’s with him being hurt. Without him thus far that number has dropped to 105 yards per game. It’s worth noting that second number is misleading because the Bears happened to face the worst run defense in the league in Cincinnati a week after he went down and ran for 222 yards. So in truth if not for that stroke of schedule luck it would be even lower.
This offense is just better when he’s on the field. If they can get him back to 100% for 2018 that would make for a huge boon.
