LAKE FOREST, IL – The Chicago Bears were notified by the NFL today that guard Kyle Long has been added as a selection to the 2014 Pro Bowl. Long is replacing San Francisco’s Mike Iupati who is unable to participate in the Pro Bowl due to injury.
Long started all 16 games at right guard for the Bears record-breaking offense in his first season in Chicago. He was a part of an offensive line that allowed just 30 sacks in 2013, tied for fourth fewest in the NFL, and helped pave way for Pro Bowl teammate RB Matt Fortè’s career-high 1,339 rushing yards, which rank ninth most in franchise history and more than any Bears player other than Hall of Famer Walter Payton.
The 2013 first round draft pick (20th overall) was a part of Bears offense that set a franchise record for total net yards (6,109), gross passing yards (4,450), net passing yards (4,281), passer rating (96.9), completion percentage (64.4), total first downs (344) and passing first downs (215), while finishing second in franchise annals in total points (445). Chicago’s 45 offensive touchdowns in 2013 were fifth most in franchise history and most in the Super Bowl era.
Long is the first Bears offensive lineman to reach the Pro Bowl since G Ruben Brown and C Olin Kreutz were both selected following the 2006 season. He is the first Bears rookie to make the squad since Johnny Knox was selected as a kick returner following the 2009 season. He is the first Bears rookie to make the Pro Bowl as a non-specialist since LB Brian Urlacher following the 2000 season.
Long is the fifth Bears player to be named to the 2014 Pro Bowl joining: Forté, WR Alshon Jeffery, CB Tim Jennings and WR Brandon Marshall.
The four offensive Pro Bowl selections are the most for the franchise since Chicago had four offensive Pro Bowl selections following their 1985 Super Bowl Championship season (T Jim Covert, C Jay Hilgenberg, QB Jim McMahon and RB Walter Payton).
