Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and new offensive tackle Jake Long have been friends for nearly a decade now.
The friendship took root in Arizona when both were training for the 2008 NFL draft.
Long eventually went No. 1 overall to the Miami Dolphins and Ryan was tabbed by the Falcons two picks later. The two were re-united in the Falcons locker room on Wednesday, after Long signed a one-year contract with the Falcons.
“I’ve known Jake for a long time,” Ryan said. “Obviously, we came out the same year. We trained together out in Arizona prior to the draft and we got to know each other. We spent a little time together up in New York before the draft. I’ve always kind of followed his career.”
Long was slotted in the third spot at left tackle on the team’s depth chart for now. He’s battling back from two ACL surgeries and finished his last four seasons in the league on the injured reserve list.
Long, who was cleared by Dr. James Andrews, has a clean bill of health.
“It’s been tough,” Long said. “It’s been a tough few years. That’s part of the game. Guys go through injuries and I’ve been through it enough.”
Long, 30, has started 96 NFL games with the Dolphins and Rams, mostly at left tackle. He played some right guard with the St. Louis Rams.
Before a string of injuries, Long was considered one of the top tackles in the NFL. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro first-team member.
Long, 6-foot-7, 322 pounds, hopes to revive career.
Long hasn’t played in an NFL game since Oct. 26, 2014 in a 34-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2014, Long played in seven games before suffering a second torn ACL in his right knee.
In 2013, Long played 15 games before he tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee. His right knee buckled on the third play of the game against Tampa Bay. He was merely setting up to pass block. Rams coach Jeff Fisher called it a “non-contact” injury.
In 2012, he played 12 games before he suffered a torn left triceps and was placed on injured reserve.
In 2011, he played 15 games. His streak of 61 straight starts was snapped with a back injury and he was later placed on injured reserve with a torn right triceps.
Long also worked out for the Giants and the Broncos before picking the Falcons.
“He’s an outstanding young man, who is a big, big solid offensive tackle, who’s had injuries,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. “If he’s overcome those injuries, he’s a force no doubt.”
Long believes he can regain his Pro Bowl form.
“I feel good,” Long said. “It’s been a long offseason getting strong again and getting the knee right. As long as I keep progressing well, I’m excited about what I can do.”
The Falcons waited to sign Long after the first week so that his contract wouldn’t be guaranteed for the entire season.
“I understood it,” Long said. “It was hard to watch OTAs, (exhibition) season and especially Week One. I’ve been chomping at the bit to get back and that’s why I just can’t wait.”
Matthews believes he can fit into the Falcons new outside-zone blocking scheme. He said stayed up late to make it through the entire playbook.
Also, he doesn’t have a problem with learning how to play right tackle.
“I just want to come in, be healthy and run around,” Long said. “Get better every single day. Compete and go from there. (I was) not promised anything. We’ll just see how far I can go.”
Long said he’s been hitting blocking sleds and “pushing a lot of weight” in order to stay in shape.
Ryan seemed genuinely elated to have Long on board.
“He’s been a great player for a long time and hopefully, he can come in here, learn the system as best he can and help us out,” Ryan said.
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