Kyle Long: An Offensive Lineman's Trajectory
A comprehensive analysis of a prominent NFL guard's collegiate journey, professional achievements, and post-career endeavors.
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Biography
A Legacy in Football
Kyle Howard Long, born December 5, 1988, in Ivy, Virginia, is an American former professional football guard. His lineage is deeply rooted in NFL history, being the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long and the younger brother of former defensive end Chris Long.[39] Kyle carved out his own distinguished career, primarily with the Chicago Bears, where he played for seven seasons, earning significant accolades.
Distinguished Achievements
Long's professional career was marked by early success and consistent performance, leading to multiple honors:
- Three consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2013–2015).
- Second-team All-Pro recognition in 2014.
- Named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2013.
- Included among the "100 greatest Bears of All-Time" in 2019.
His impact was immediate, establishing him as a formidable presence on the offensive line from his rookie season.[19]
Physical Profile
As an offensive guard, Long possessed a commanding physical presence essential for his role:
- Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
- Weight: 313 lb (142 kg)
These attributes, combined with his skill and football intelligence, allowed him to excel in one of the NFL's most demanding positions.
Collegiate Path
Early Athletic Pursuits
Long attended St. Anne's-Belfield School in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he showcased his versatility by excelling in both baseball and football. His talent was recognized early, leading to his selection for the 2008 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.[4] Despite being drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 23rd round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft, Long chose to honor his commitment to Florida State University for college.[5]
Academic & Positional Transitions
His collegiate journey was not without its challenges. In January 2009, Long departed Florida State due to academic reasons following an arrest for DWI.[6] He subsequently enrolled at Saddleback College, a community college in Mission Viejo, California, in 2010. Here, he returned to football, initially playing defensive end, where he recorded 16 tackles and one quarterback sack. In 2011, he made a pivotal switch to the offensive line, a move that would define his professional career.
Oregon Ducks & NCAA Decision
On December 18, 2011, Long committed to the University of Oregon, transferring to play for the Oregon Ducks football team.[7] During the 2012 season, he started six of twelve games on the offensive line. He sought an additional year of college eligibility, but his appeal was denied by the NCAA.[8] In a testament to his collegiate impact, Long was inducted into the California Community College Football Coaches Hall of Fame on March 9, 2024.
Chicago Bears Career
NFL Debut & Immediate Impact
Kyle Long was a highly anticipated prospect, selected by the Chicago Bears as the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft.[10] This marked a significant moment, as he was the first guard drafted by the Bears in the first round since Roger Davis in 1960.[12] After signing his contract on May 17, 2013,[13] Long quickly made his presence felt, starting the 2013 season opener at right guard. This achievement made him the first rookie in the Super Bowl era to start a season opener at that position for the Bears.[15]
Pro Bowl & All-Pro Recognition
Long's rookie season was exceptionally strong, earning him spots on Pro Football Focus' and NFL.com's All-Rookie Teams.[16][17] He was subsequently named to the 2014 Pro Bowl as an injury replacement, becoming the first Bears rookie to achieve this since Johnny Knox in 2009.[18] His success continued, with another Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors following the 2014 season. In 2015, he transitioned to tackle, starting all 16 regular season games and earning his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod.
Battles with Injury
Despite his talent, injuries significantly impacted Long's later career. After signing a four-year, $40 million contract extension through 2021 in September 2016,[22] he endured a series of setbacks:
Kansas City Chiefs & Retirement
Initial Retirement
After a challenging 2019 season marred by injuries, Kyle Long announced his retirement from professional football on January 6, 2020.[32] The Chicago Bears subsequently declined his contract option for the 2020 season, making him an unrestricted free agent on March 18, 2020.[33] This marked the end of a significant chapter with the team where he had achieved much of his professional success.
Comeback Attempt with Chiefs
On March 18, 2021, Long decided to come out of retirement and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, signaling an intent to return to the NFL gridiron.[34] However, his comeback was unfortunately hampered by further injury. He sustained a knee injury during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on June 10, 2021.[35]
Unplayed Season
Due to his knee injury, Long was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on August 31, 2021.[36] Although he was activated on November 30 and briefly placed on and then activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list in December,[37][38] Long ultimately did not play a single snap for the Chiefs during the 2021 season. This was largely attributed to his persistent knee issues and the impressive emergence of rookie guard Trey Smith, who solidified a starting role.
Post-NFL Ventures
Esports Entrepreneurship
Beyond the football field, Kyle Long has ventured into the dynamic world of esports. He is a part-owner of Mode Motorsports, an esports team competing in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series.[40] This demonstrates his engagement with competitive gaming and his entrepreneurial spirit in a rapidly growing industry.
Media & Broadcasting
Long has also transitioned into media, leveraging his extensive football knowledge and engaging personality. As of September 16, 2020, he co-hosts a weekly talk show with Paul Swan on NASCAR.com's YouTube channel, discussing various aspects of racing.[41] In 2020, he further expanded his media presence by becoming a studio analyst for CBS Sports Network's "That Other Pregame Show," offering insights and commentary on NFL games.[42]
Career Statistics & Measurables
NFL Career Overview
Kyle Long's NFL career, primarily with the Chicago Bears, spanned seven seasons, during which he was a consistent starter when healthy. His contributions to the offensive line were critical for his teams.
Pre-Draft Measurables
Ahead of the 2013 NFL Draft, Kyle Long participated in the NFL Scouting Combine, where his physical attributes were rigorously tested. These measurements provided scouts with a comprehensive understanding of his athletic potential.
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