Lunch with Larry: Kyle Long

Kyle was a perfect fit for the Bears, selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2013 draft. He recalled that during his pre-draft visit to Halas Hall, he was invited into then-offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer’s office, where he was shown tape of just one player.

“The cutup was only [Lions defensive tackle] Ndamukong Suh,” Long said. “That’s all we were watching. I remember sitting there and it hitting me, the weight of the moment being like, ‘Ah, I understand, this is more than just you were a good college football player. We like you in Chicago.’ It was like, ‘No, no, no, there are monsters out there and we need your help.’ It got really serious.”

Long wasted little time providing that help, earning Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three seasons, first at right guard and then right tackle. He learned a lot from veteran linemen Robert Garza, Matt Slauson, Jermon Bushrod and Eben Britton.

“Going to a group that was heavily laden with vets was exactly what I needed,” Kyle said. “Not only was I a rookie behind the eight ball in terms of experience in football, my life experience was really limited as well. So those guys did a great job and I always appreciate their tutelage.”

Kyle remembers receiving valuable advice on his first day of training camp.

“Roberto Garza looked at me after the first day of practice in Bourbonnais and said, ‘How are you feeling man?’ I was like, ‘I’m feeling alright. I’m a little bit sore.’ And he goes, ‘Well, this is the best that you’re ever going to feel, so appreciate it.’ That was really good advice. Not only was he telling me to appreciate my youth, but take care of yourself.”