Bears guard Kyle Long named to second Pro Bowl

The strong, relentless play of guard Kyle Long has stood out all season despite the Bears’ struggles on offense, and for that, he’ll represent his team at the Pro Bowl.

Long was the only Bears player named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday night. He is the first Bears player since returner Devin Hester (2006-07) to be named to the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons.

Long’s quick development has been one of the Bears’ best success stories over the past two seasons. According to STATS, Long, the 20th overall pick in 2013, is yet to allow a sack this season.

“Speechless. So much love [for] my teammates and coaches,” Long said on Twitter. “Couldn’t ask for a better city than Chicago to play [for]. Thank [you] so much.”

The Bears, despite their 5-10 record, had other Pro Bowl candidates, including running back Matt Forte, tight end Martellus Bennett and defensive tackle Stephen Paea.

Long was joined by receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, running back Matt Forte and cornerback Tim Jennings in last year’s Pro Bowl.

Long, meanwhile, said he’ll play against the Vikings after missing the Lions game because of a hip injury. It was the first game Long missed in his first two seasons.

“We sorely would have liked him to play, but he did the best he could,” coach Marc Trestman said. “And that was to create some enthusiasm on the sideline and help the guys out.”

That included Long grabbing Trestman from behind and shaking him during a touchdown celebration.

“I love the players on this team,” Trestman said. “Kyle’s one of the guys I love. And we had some fun on the sideline.”