Eagles’ DE Chris Long told role to decrease, says chances of return are “not good” now

Something I think a lot of @Eagles’ fans may have forgotten about:

Since they didn’t take a DL in the first three rounds, playing time should be open enough for @JOEL9ONE to return, if he is so willing…. #FlyEaglesFly

— Cale Ahearn (@caleahearn11) April 27, 2019

Thanks for the tag. I mean this with no animosity, but your analysis is shortsighted. My role has been a sub rusher who plays *some* on 1st and 2nd down. That’s changed with or without the draft. I’ve also been explicitly told that my role would decrease this year.

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) April 27, 2019

I’m not willing to come back and play 10-15 base plays a game. I’m overqualified and it’s a lot of sacrifice to hear the same people who tell me not to retire ask “where’s chris long, did he retire?” week 3 when I don’t have any opportunities to help the team. This isn’t crazy.

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) April 27, 2019

I’d want me back as a backup + insurance on 3rd down. Sacrificing my body, time w my fam for a role that is dependent on injury would suck. I’m a football player. At 34, I don’t need a check. I like playing football on sundays and I play for respect. Can’t get it that way.

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) April 27, 2019

It’s not zero. It’s not good. But I’ve always told them to assume I won’t be back, as to not hold them up. They could easily fill that purely depth position with someone else. I had a good enough year to not to be in that situation. Zero hard feelings. It’s a biz.

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) April 27, 2019