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Lunch with Larry: Kyle Long

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 being invited into then-offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer’s office during his pre-draft visit to Halas Hall, where he bonded was shown by only one player.

“The break was just (Lions defensive tackle) Ndamukong Suh,” Long said. “That’s all we were looking at. I remember sitting there and it hitting me, the weight of the moment being like, ‘Ah, I see, this is more than just you being 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.”

He wasted no time in providing that help, earning Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three seasons, first at right guard and then at 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 loaded 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 very limited. So those guys did a great job and I always appreciate their guidance.”

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

“Roberto Garza looked at me after the first day of training in Bourbonnais and said, ‘How are you feeling, man?’ I was like, ‘I feel good.’ And he says, ‘Well, this is the best you’ll ever feel, so appreciate it.’ That was really good advice. He not only told me to appreciate my youth, but also to take care of yourself.”