Chiefs safety Eric Berry was placed on the non-football injured list after a mass was found in his chest. (Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
The Broncos’ focus may have already shifted to the Chiefs, but Kansas City’s is on their star safety.
Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry was placed on after a mass was found in his chest that could be a lymphoma. Berry complained of chest pains after Thursday’s game against the Raiders, and will see specialists at Emory University in Atlanta, where he’ll undergo more tests.
Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said the diagnosis is not definitive, but that lymphoma is the leading possibility.
Meanwhile, Berry’s season is over, but he could be just starting a bigger fight.
On Monday, he released a statement via the Chiefs:
“I am truly thankful for all of the support from family, friends, coaches, teammates and the entire Chiefs kingdom. At first I was in shock with the diagnosis on Saturday and did not even want to miss a game, but I understand that right now I have to concentrate on a new opponent. I have great confidence in the doctors and the plan they are going to put in place for me to win this fight. I believe that I am in God’s hands and I have great peace in that. I know my coaches and teammates will hold things down here the rest of the season and until I am back running out of the tunnel at Arrowhead. I am so thankful and appreciative of being a part of this franchise and playing in front of the best fans in the NFL. I will be back!”
Berry’s teammates, as well as the Broncos and other players in the league, offered prayers and well-wishes as they await news of his diagnosis.
Safety Eric Berry and the are in our thoughts today. Get well fast, !
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos)
Praying for E Berry
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr)
Praying 4 Eric Berry
— C.J. Anderson (@CjAndersonRB9)
Praying for you
— Jacob Tamme (@JacobTamme)
We may be rivals on the football field, but we’re all part of the family. Best wishes to Eric Berry.
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS)
I can’t begin to explain how much love this Chiefs team has for our leader Eric Berry we are behind him always. We fight together!!
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel)
RT : Prayers are with my Bro
— Mike Wallace (@Wallace17_daKid)
Keep Ya head up Bruh. God got you. Praying for you
— Jacoby Ford19 (@JacobyFord12)
Praying for Eric Berry to have healing. Rooting for you to stay encouraged. Stay Strong boss.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson)
Damn just heard the news on Eric Berry. Praying that it's nothing major.
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate)
Thoughts and prayers with Eric Barry, such an incredibly inspirational player and better man. I have no doubt he will overcome this
— Brady Quinn (@3rd_Goal)
