Bears coach Matt Eberflus reflects on veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis' 'remarkable' longevity

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The average career length of an NFL player is just more than three years. Having a long career in the league is a badge of honor and a testament to hard work.

Longevity is a hallmark of veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis' career, as he re-signed with the Bears on a one-year deal earlier this week to play his 19th NFL season. Lewis turned 40 in May and is set to be the oldest player to ever suit up for the Bears franchise.

Lewis was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, and he’s the last remaining active player from a class that included Jay Cutler, Devin Hester, Brandon Marshall, Andrew Whitworth and DeMeco Ryans.

For Lewis to be back on a roster for his 19th year in the league is no small feat.

“It is remarkable when you think about that,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said Wednesday. “There’s normal human beings, and there’s other people that play 17, 18, 19 years in the NFL. So, not sure how to explain that – a lot of that’s God given in terms of how God put him together, in terms of being healthy and all that, but he works at it. He works at the nutrition part of it, the strength and conditioning and, more importantly, he works at the flexibility. I think that’s where he really gains his edge, is the flexibility and balance that he has and what he works on. He does some different things that way, and he’s going to be great for our locker room.”

Lewis is two years older than 38-year-old Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who sought out his services last August. On the field, Lewis remains a stout blocker and a key piece to the Bears’ outside-zone running scheme.

But Lewis’ impact extends beyond that, which is a key factor in why he has made it to a 19th season.

“Leadership,” Eberflus said. “Yeah, he’s a tremendous leader. He’s got a great way about him, he’s got great wisdom and discernment, and he helps everybody in the building — not just the players. He helps me in terms of the feel for the team, where everybody is, the players. He has been a tremendous leader since I’ve known him, and we’re certainly excited to have him back.”

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .