"Some Chicagoans are probably happy to hear I’m finally stepping away and getting my body right," Long tweeted. "Some Chicagoans may be sad to hear this. Either way you feel about it, I want u to know how lucky I am to have spent time in your city. I became a man while playing in Chicago. Thank you.
"Special thanks to Phil Emery, Marc Trestman and the rest of that staff for bringing me in. Thanks to and happy birthday to the young lady named Virginia as well. Ryan Pace, thank you for keeping me around as well."
Long, 31, played in just four games in 2019 before being placed on season-ending injured reserve with a hip issue in October. The Bears selected Long in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection over seven seasons in Chicago.
The Bears haven't confirmed details about Long's status. They hold a team option for his contract in 2020.