Chiefs safety Eric Berry will see lymphoma specialist
Kansas City Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said Monday that safety Eric Berry will see a lymphoma specialist in Atlanta after a mass was discovered on the right side of his chest, according to team reporter BJ Kissel.
Berry hasn't yet been given a definite diagnosis but lymphoma is the current leading consideration for his condition. He has been placed on the non-football injury/illness list and is out for the season.
Berry played in the Chiefs' game last Thursday against the Oakland Raiders, recording five tackles. He experienced discomfort in his chest following the game and underwent an MRI, which revealed the mass.
Head coach Andy Reid said Monday that Berry didn't complain about any symptoms prior to the Raiders game and that a preseason physical came back normal.
Berry released the following statement through the team:
“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!”
Reid said Berry was upbeat Monday morning.
Berry previously missed five games this season due to a high ankle sprain. In six games this year, Berry has 37 total tackles and two passes defended.
The 25-year-old has made the Pro Bowl three times since the Chiefs selected him with the No. 5 pick in the 2010 NFL draft and was named first team All-Pro last season.
- Ben Estes
