Bears players defend Jay Cutler, Alshon Jeffery while tweeting goodbyes

Several Bears thanked Jay Cutler and Alshon Jeffery on social media on a day both made their official exits from the team, but they also rebuffed criticism directed at their former teammates.

The Bears released Cutler after eight seasons Thursday, a Chicago career in which he compiled a 51-51 regular-season record with one playoff win following the 2010 regular season. Jeffery agreed to a one-year deal with the Eagles after the Bears let him walk.

“Was fun while it lasted amigo, I’d give my leg for this dude…. but I’m excited to see what happens next,” Kyle Long tweeted along with a photo of himself with Cutler at practice. He also called him, “Toughest person I’ve ever played with (other than Matt slauson).”

When several fans questioned Long’s praise, some pointing out Cutler’s lack of a playoff resume while in Chicago, Long answered, “Learning how to be a pro from #6 was a slow but necessary evil I had to work through as a young player. Ended up forging a strong bond.”

Also Thursday, as news about Cutler and Jeffery’s departures came to light, Bears running back Jordan Howard tweeted an animated image of himself shaking his head but didn’t add an explanation.

Later he tweeted to Jeffery, “S/o to big bro @TheWorldof_AJ though on the new deal, wish you much success.” Fellow receiver Kevin White also thanked Jeffery “for always being there for me when a lot turned their back! Always gonna be.”

As for quarterback Mike Glennon, who reportedly had reached an agreement with the Bears to replace Cutler, Long joked: “He’s a Virginian, he’s tall and he’s almost as bald me which makes me look good.”

plthompson@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @_phil_thompson