Jake Long is feeling better than he has in a while, the Miami Dolphins' Pro Bowl left tackle told the team's official website recently.
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"I feel great," said Long, who went on injured reserve in December after battling a back injury and a torn right biceps. "This is the healthiest I've felt in a long time. All healed up, working out 100 percent, ready to go."
Despite starting 62 consecutive games at one point, Long missed the 2011 preseason with a knee injury and underwent offseason shoulder surgery after the 2010 season.
Long, who was made the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Dolphins, has made the Pro Bowl four times, once for every season that he's been in the league. He told the site that he has stepped up as a leader, with the team transitioning to rookie head coach Joe Philbin.
"That's something I try to pride myself in, is being a leader, on and off the field, lead by example," Long said. "When I need to, I need to speak up and be that vocal leader."
