Bears' Kyle Long Eager To Strap Pads In Training Camp
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Kyle Long donned Cubs blue on Monday night.
The Bears' guard wore a Cubs jersey and hat at Wrigley Field as he threw out the first pitch before Monday's contest. He even played catch with Bears teammate Kyle Fuller on the field. All a part of the fun of summer in Chicago.
"I love the city," said Long. "I don't think there's a better city in the country."
When Thursday morning arrives, Long will be back in his Bears navy blue and wearing a helmet instead of a Cubs hat. Summer is almost over for the Bears, and training camp in Bourbonnais is set to begin.
Long, the Bears' first-round pick in 2013, is set for work under a new regime in his third NFL season, with coach John Fox leading the team.
Change has met these Bears after Marc Trestman was dismissed at the end of the 2014 campaign, and the new staff will bring a different style to be learned in camp.
"We have a job to do as players," Long said. "We're expected to come in physically and mentally to kind of put on the new stuff we'll be doing under the new coaching staff. We're really excited about getting started with John Fox and seeing what this training camp is going to be like. It's going to be a neat experience for a lot of us. But we're excited about it."
For a Bears team with many veteran pieces facing uncertain futures, Long will be counted on as a leader. The two-time Pro Bowl guard and consistent nature is an important asset for the Bears as they venture in a new direction.
"I'm just happy to be able to do my job to the best of my ability and help the younger guys do their job," he said.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Bears as they enter camp revolves around Long. Will he play right guard or right tackle?
During OTAs in June, Long worked in at tackle, but out of need for healthy bodies. What Fox has planned remains to be seen, at least until the Bears take the field on Thursday.
"Like the first day of school," Long said.
But first, it was time to explore Wrigley Field more. There's still a little bit of summer left to enjoy.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.
