Veteran guard Kyle Long has been through many lows during his tenure on with the Chicago Bears.
Long was drafted 20th overall in the 2013 NFL draft, and since that time, the Bears have had just one winning season (2018.) He’s had more than his fair share of injuries, too, and because of that wear and tear, his level of play has declined quite a bit.
In fact, 2019 could be his last season in Chicago. It could also be the best season he’s experienced as a pro.
Long said this Bears team is one of the tightest he’s ever played on.
“I’ve never had a team that has gelled like this,” Long said via Mark Grote on Twitter. “The amount of competition, coach has to pull us back a bit, and I’ve never been a part of a team like that.
“They’re usually trying to kick us in the butt. Nagy’s like ‘guys, chill we’re going to put the pads on soon.'”
This is just further proof of the culture Matt Nagy’s built in such a short time. From the coaching staff down to the 90th man on the roster, the entire organization has bought in.
For a player like Long, the change in the locker room and on the field couldn’t come at a better time. Assuming his body doesn’t fail in him 2019, he’ll be one of the most outspoken veteran leaders on a team that is one of the NFC’s favorites to make a Super Bowl run.
It could be a special swan song for Long in Chicago.
