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

“The split was just (Lions defensive tackle) Ndamukong Suh,” Long said. “That’s all we were looking at. I remember sitting there and it hit me, the weight of the moment was like, ‘Oh, I get it, 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.’

Long wasted little time 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 full of vets was exactly what I needed,” Kyle said. “Not only was I a rookie behind the eight ball in terms of football experience, but my life experience was also very limited. 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 at Bourbonnais and said, ‘How do you feel, man?’ I was like, ‘I feel good. I’m a little sore.’ And he’s like, ‘Well, this is the best you’re ever going to feel, so appreciate it.’ That was really good advice. He didn’t just tell me to appreciate it. my youth, but also to take care of me.