The Chicago Bears were left without a representative at the Pro Bowl when rosters were announced earlier this month, but on Thursday the team found out that one of its players will make the trip to Honolulu, as Kyle Long was selected as an injury replacement.
Long, who moved to right tackle this season after spending the first two seasons of his NFL career at right guard, will replace Philadelphia Eagles lineman Jason Peters, who is unable to participate in the Pro Bowl because of an elbow injury.
With his selection Thursday, Long has now made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons in the league. Selected with the 20th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Long has made a seamless transition to the NFL and has quickly become an anchor for a Bears’ offensive line that has struggled with injuries throughout his time in Chicago.
According to Matt Eurich of Bleacher Report, Long joins a select group of Bears players that have made the Pro Bowl in their first three seasons. That group includes Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka, Gale Sayers, and Brian Urlacher, and it also includes Harlon Hill and Rick Casares.
Long and the rest of the NFLs best players will take the field at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu on Jan. 31 in the annual Pro Bowl game.
