Famous Birthdays·December 5·Kyle Long
Kyle Long

USKyle Long

A converted defensive lineman who forged a Pro Bowl career at guard through sheer athleticism and a relentless, blue-collar work ethic.

Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: December 5·Millennials

Photo: Jeffrey Beall · CC BY 4.0

Biography

Kyle Long’s football narrative is one of dramatic reinvention. The son of Hall of Famer Howie Long, he initially followed a more chaotic path, playing baseball and bouncing between colleges as a defensive end. It was only at the University of Oregon that he made the switch to offensive line, a move that unlocked his prodigious potential. His raw power, surprising agility, and fierce competitive streak made him a first-round pick for the Chicago Bears in 2013. Long didn’t just live up to the pedigree; he carved his own identity, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2013 to 2015. His playing style was a spectacle of controlled violence, often seen driving defenders far beyond the line of scrimmage. While injuries ultimately shortened his career, Long’s peak demonstrated a rare blend of elite genetics and self-made grit, establishing him not merely as a famous son, but as a dominant force in his own right.

Millennials

1981–1996

The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.

Kyle was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.

#1 When Kyle Was Born

The biggest hits of 1988

#1 Movie

Rain Man

Best Picture

Rain Man

#1 TV Show

The Cosby Show

Kyle's Life & Times

The world at every milestone

1988Born

Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie

Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school

European Union officially established

Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager

September 11 attacks transform the world

Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive

Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000

Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote

Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet

Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21

Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created

Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30

Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting

Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump

Key Achievements

  • Selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three NFL seasons (2013, 2014, 2015).
  • Was named a second-team All-Pro in 2014 for his performance with the Chicago Bears.
  • Started 76 games at right guard for the Bears, solidifying their offensive line during his healthy seasons.

Did You Know?

He played only five games at offensive tackle for Oregon before being drafted in the first round as a guard.

Long was also a talented baseball pitcher in high school and was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 23rd round in 2008.

He and his brothers, Chris and Howie Jr., are the only trio of brothers to all be selected in the first round of the NFL draft.

He publicly announced his retirement from the NFL via a heartfelt letter on Twitter in 2020.

“I gave the game everything I had, and it gave me more than I could have ever imagined.”

— Kyle Long

Also Born on December 5

See all 100 famous birthdays →

Frankie Muniz

Frankie Muniz

1985

Adan Canto

Adan Canto

1981

John Rzeznik

John Rzeznik

1965

Catherine Tate

Catherine Tate

1969

Owen Cooper

Owen Cooper

2009

Amy Acker

Amy Acker

1976

Alexander Sørloth

Alexander Sørloth

1995

George Armstrong Custer

George Armstrong Custer

1839

Conan Gray

Conan Gray

1998

Lauren London

Lauren London

1984

Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial

1995

Bhumibol Adulyadej

Bhumibol Adulyadej

1927

AboutPrivacyTermsContact

© 2026 oresth.com