Bears Kyle Long nominated for Salute to Service Award

While his health has betrayed him again and again in recent years, the Bears’ Kyle Long hasn’t let his injuries diminish any of his off-the-field work. So even as Long recovers from a right foot ailment that will keep him out for most of the rest of the Bears’ 2018 season, that stance and modus operandi is likely to continue.

For his efforts and commitment to supporting the US military community, Long was named the Bears’ official nominee for the eighth annual USAA Salute to Service Award on Friday. The USAA and NFL hold a joint distinction in picking a league member that best exemplifies what the award is all about.

All 32 teams have a nominee, and you do not have to be an active player. You can be a coach, front office executive, and even a team legend. Other notable nominees that stand out alongside Long is the Browns’ former stellar left tackle Joe Thomas, 49ers general manager John Lynch, and Packers running back Aaron Jones. Past famous recipients include the Vikings’ Jared Allen in 2014 and Ravens head coach John Harbaugh in 2013.

Finalists for the actual award will be announced in January, and the honor will be bestowed upon at the annual NFL Honors on Saturday February 2nd before the Super Bowl.

An undoubtedly nice boost to Long’s morale as he works to return for the Bears’ stretch run this year.

Robert is the Editor-in-chief of The Blitz Network (subscribe here!), the managing editor of Windy City Gridiron, and writes for a host of other fine publications. You can follow him on Twitter @RobertZeglinski.