In a surprising move, the Kansas City Chiefs announced safety Eric Berry will be placed on the non-football injury list, ending his 2014-15 NFL campaign.
Eric Berry is one of the best young safeties in the National Football League, but he will not be available for the Kansas City Chiefs as they prepare to enter the most important part of their playoff run.
On Monday afternoon, the team announced that Berry will be heading to the non-football illness list, ending his season immediately.
Surprise of the day: Chiefs put S Eric Berry on NFI - no -football Illness, which means he is out for the year, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 24, 2014
The announcement came just before head coach Andy Reid’s weekly press conference. Reid’s weekly presser generally takes place at noon, however, this week’s was bumped to 4 p.m. ET.
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At the team’s press conference, Rick Burkholder, the team’s head athletic trainer, confirmed Berry has been feeling chest discomfort after the Oakland Raiders game. A MRI showed a mass on the right side of his chest. The Chiefs do not have an official diagnosis, but the leading consideration is lymphoma. Berry is going to Emory University Hospital to see a specialist to get further evaluation through the next couple of days.
The Chiefs currently sit at 7-4 and hold the No. 6 seed in the AFC Playoff Picture.
Berry, the fifth-overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, has recorded 37 tackles through Week 12 of the 2014-15 season. Berry missed six games this season with a high-ankle sprain he suffered on Sept. 14 and recently returned in Week 9.
With Berry heading to the injured reserve list, the Chiefs’ depth at safety takes a major hit.
The three-time Pro Bowler has recorded 289 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 8 interceptions and two forced fumbles throughout his career.
We will update this story with more information as it becomes available.
UPDATE: Eric Berry has released a statement:
“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!”
UPDATE: Berry’s agent, Chad Speck, has also released a statement on the news:
Praying for my friend and client Eric Berry. Here are my thoughts right now... pic.twitter.com/DdtF4Ap31t
— Chad Speck (@Chad_Speck) November 24, 2014
UPDATE: Burkholder sent out a message of support for Berry following the press conference:
Walk by this everyday. Today, it meant a little more. #weareBerryStrong pic.twitter.com/ZTCL0c4lWS
— Rick Burkholder (@proatc) November 24, 2014
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