SYRACUSE -- After undergoing brain surgery for a benign tumor, Syracuse University football captain Rob Long is recovering and thanking those who’ve been sending him good wishes. Long is hopeful to join his teammates at the 2010 New Era Pinstripe Bowl on December 30 at Yankee Stadium.

The following is a letter Long wrote to his friends and supporters:

As many of you know, on December 2nd I was diagnosed with a large benign brain tumor that required imminent removal. I under went a successful operation on December 14th, preformed by Dr. David Andrews and a team of neurosurgeons at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. I want to personally extend my gratitude to Dr. Andrews and the entire staff at Thomas Jefferson University for their exceptional care and professionalism. I would also like to thank Tim Neal, Denny Kellington, Dr. Michael Kernan and the entire Sports Medicine staff at Syracuse University for their continuous support throughout this process.

Furthermore, I would like to thank my head coach, Doug Marrone, the assistant coaches, and my fellow teammates for their sustained words of encouragement during my medical issue and recovery.

To my supporters, friends, and family you have kept my spirits high through this difficult process. The vast amount of support and encouraging words that I have received over the past two weeks has been nothing short of inspirational. I would like to thank those across the college football community who have extended their thoughts and prayers toward my family and I, as it is greatly appreciated. The outreach of support from the Syracuse community and my hometown has been extremely positive and uplifting. It is truly amazing to experience the compassion and encouragement from so many individuals, many whom I never met. This experience has given me a new perspective on what is truly important and that we all must cherish the opportunities that we are given in life.

I was released from Thomas Jefferson Hospital today to be at home to rest and recover for the next few weeks in hopes of re-joining my team in New York City at the New Era Pinstripe Bowl on December 30th.

It is hard to truly articulate my gratefulness for the thoughts and prayers that I have received, as they have been an inspirational catalyst to my attitude and approach of my upcoming recovery. I look forward to seeing everyone in New York City at the end of the month.

Go Orange!

Sincerely,

Rob Long