Kansas City Chiefs’ Eric Berry Cleared to Practice

kickoffcoverage.com

kickoffcoverage.com

Kansas City Chiefs’ strong safety Eric Berry has been cleared by doctors to begin practicing with his team again on Wednesday. This will mark the first time since November 20’th, 2014 that Eric Berry has been able to play football.

Last year Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma after his chest was irritated following a collision with fellow Chiefs’ safety Husain Abdullah. His loss was felt not only by the Chiefs on the field, but their players and fans off of the field as well. Multiple players spoke out about what Berry meant to their team. He was a vital piece to the Chiefs’ chemistry as well as their on-field success. Chiefs’ punter Dustin Colquitt was quoted as saying “Eric is a passionate guy that I think creates a common thread within a locker room that keeps everybody on the same page, no matter if you’re from California, Florida, Texas, black, white, Christian, Muslim.” When a team loses a leader like Berry, it shakes the very foundation of the team, which is why everyone is surely overjoyed by the news of his return.

Since being drafted fifth overall by the Chiefs in 2010, Berry has been one of the most exciting defensive players in the league. He is not only a monstrous hitter, but a great coverage safety as well. His run stopping presence will surely be helpful for the Chiefs 28th ranked run defense. As for pass defense, his elite coverage could help boost the Chiefs second ranked unit to the best in the NFL.

More than anything, it’s fantastic to see that Berry is able to once again play the game that he loves. It’s clear that his love for the game transcends just himself. It will be a treat to once again see him back on the football field.