The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
first several NFL seasons in Miami — met Lewan a couple years ago on a trip to Ann Arbor. He had eyes on the offensive line, of course, and particularly on No. 77. The two remained in contact the way Long stayed in touch with the Michigan linemen before him. It's part of the responsibility that accompanies the tradition, Long said, and he was glad to talk for an hour when Lewan called him early this year. "I've got a great relationship with Taylor," Long said. "We talked a bunch before he made his decision. I have a lot of respect for him and think he's an amazing player. He's keeping that offensive line tradition at Michigan of great tackles and offensive linemen alive. "But the main thing was he had some questions. I just told him my reasoning for staying, my emotions, why I decided to stay, how it benefited me. In the end, I just told him he has to do what he feels is right. He can't listen to anybody but himself or his parents." The most important bit of advice, though, was he had to be comfortable and live with his decision and go with it 100 percent. Unlike Long, Lewan chose to get his draft report from the experts, and he learned he'd likely be a high firstround pick. Like his predecessor, he gave up the guaranteed money — and he echoed Long's sentiments as to why. "People ask, 'Why would you come back?'" Lewan said. "I tell them, 'Have you ever played at Michigan and worn the uniform? If not, you don't know.'" Long remembered the feeling. "I talked with my parents a bunch.