Eric Berry made emotional return to field for Chiefs, and it was awesome
From the minute Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry was diagnosed with Hogkin’s lymphoma nine months ago, he vowed to return to the game he loved.
That dream came true Saturday night, as Berry returned to the field for the first time in the Chiefs’ preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. His teammates and coaches have rallied around him every step of the way through his tremendous recovery.
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Before the game, Berry shared an emotional hug with his mother on the field, who was there to celebrate her son playing his first game since finishing cancer treatment this spring and being declared cancer-free in June. Berry came out as one of the Chiefs’ captains for the pregame coin toss.
The best part? It wasn’t just the Chiefs who honored Berry’s return. The Cardinals also paid quite the tribute to him, as the video above shows.
The scoreboard read: “Welcome back, Eric Berry!”
Although he did not start the game, Berry came in on the fourth play on defense in the nickel package with the starters. He also played one series with the second-team defense and was done for the night. Berry did not record any tackles, but this game wasn’t about statistics.
Berry’s 2014 season came to a rapid end when doctors discovered a mass in his chest following the Week 12 game against the Oakland Raiders. He soon began chemo treatment and his health and football future both remained unclear.
But once he was declared healthy by doctors, Berry rejoined the team at a July minicamp and then again for training camp. Although the team held him contact-free through early practices, the Chiefs were convinced he was ready for full-tilt action.
Saturday night proved that, no matter what happens, Berry already has overcome a few massive hurdled. His next goal: playing in the regular season.
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm
