2. Kyle Long
“Kyle Long wanted to return to school for one more year to improve his skills and increase his value. but the NCAA turned him down for a medical redshirt and forced him to go pro, too,” Hyperdrunk said. He applied for one more year of eligibility but after the NCAA’s refusal, he ended up playing for the Chicago Bears. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the former Oregon star.
Many fans criticized the Bears’ decision but it turned out to be a good one. “Long was only a starter for like half a season in college, and it was due to an injury. His age was less of a factor than the fact that he was a major unknown with fairly limited tape,” TheManWhoWasNotShort recalled. He became a three-time Pro Bowler during this time in the Windy City so it was an incredible decision.