Kyle Long Announces He's Stepping Away From Bears in Heartfelt Tweet

While the football world was fixated on the start of the NFL playoffs this weekend, a mainstay made a huge announcement.

On Sunday afternoon, Chicago Bears offensive guard Kyle Long sent out a heartfelt tweet announcing that he's stepping away from the game of football to get his "body right."

Some chicagoans are probably happy to hear I’m finally stepping away and getting my body right. Some Chicagoans may be sad to hear this. Either way ufeel about it, I want u to know how lucky I am to have spent time in your city. I became a man while playing in Chicago.Thank you❤️
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) January 6, 2020

The important thing to note is that Long never uses the word "retire." This could just be a break for Long, or the end of his career. No one knows but him.

Long pointed out in his goodbye how divisive he is amongst the Bears community and how individuals will take the news both positively and negatively. Regardless, Long thanked the people of Chicago, who helped mold him into the person he is today.

The guard has been with the organization since they selected him in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Long proved to be a stalwart at the line of scrimmage early on in his career, earning three Pro Bowl nods.

Special thanks to Phil Emery, Marc Trestman and the rest of that staff for bringing me in. Thanks to and happy birthday to the young lady named Virginia as well. Ryan pace, thank you for keeping me around as well ??
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) January 6, 2020

However, injuries have plagued him in the latter part of his tenure. Long has been placed on injured reserve in four consecutive years. That includes this past season, where Long dealt with a nagging hip injury, which first raised question marks about his status with the Bears in 2020.

Long ended the speculation as the week ended, and will be stepping away from the game he grew up playing and loving. How long he'll be away remains to be seen.