Bears' Long sees Pro Bowl as nice reward for switching roles
Kyle Long became just the seventh player in Chicago Bears history to make the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons when he was named Thursday as a replacement for injured Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jason Peters.
Long is the first Bears offensive lineman selected to the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. He made it as a guard his first two seasons and as a tackle this season after he was moved seven days before the season opener. The transition was not always easy for the Oregon product, who struggled with consistency for much of the season.
"I think I made a big sacrifice in my career," Long said, "and I think this was, in kind of a roundabout way, the reward for it. Unfortunately, I dealt with a lot of growing pains, as has been publicized. I've owned it and been a part of the learning process and tried to be positive every day.
"It's been a fun process this year, but there have been tough times. But Hawaii is going to be a lot of fun."
The last Bears player to make the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons was linebacker Brian Urlacher (2000-02).
"Anytime you're mentioned in the same conversation with Brian Urlacher, it's a tremendous honor, and I'm very grateful," said the 6-foot-6, 313-pound Long.
Long could be moved before next season to left tackle, where he would have the responsibility of protecting quarterback Jay Cutler's blind side.
Long considers his struggles throughout the 2015 season a worthwhile learning process, and those trials provided him with some areas for improvement going forward.
"Basically just focus on the details (and) consistency," Long said. "The big word for me next year is 'consistency.' "
Long and the rest of the offense will be playing for a new coordinator in 2106. Dowell Loggains, last year's quarterback coach, will take over as offensive coordinator and replace Adam Gase, who left to become the Miami Dolphins' head coach.
Loggains worked closely with Cutler last season, and that relationship bodes well for the future of the offense, according to Long.
"I couldn't have been happier … being that he's somebody who works so well with Jay," Long said of Loggains. "He's with him every day, all day. I couldn't see Jay without him, and I couldn't see this offense without him because of his ability to hold guys accountable.
"This guy will actually seek out a little bit of face to face with you to get the point across, and that's what you need sometimes."
Long's addition keeps the Bears from being shut out of the Pro Bowl for the first time since the 1998 season.
Aside from Long and Urlacher, the previous Bears selected to the Pro Bowl in their first three seasons were running back Gale Sayers (1965-67), linebacker Dick Butkus (1965-67), tight end Mike Ditka (1961-63), running back Rick Casares (1955-57) and wide receiver Harlon Hill (1954-56).