“Don’t give up…don’t ever give up.” These are the famous words from the late Jim Valvano. The spirit and determination of Jimmy V are qualities everyone should emulate, no matter the type of struggles they are going through.
On Monday, Eric Berry learned that he will need to utilize the fiery drive which led him to being one of the NFL’s elite safeties on a new challenge: lymphoma. Shortly after the news broke, Berry released a statement via the Kansas City 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!”
After feeling some discomfort during last Thursday’s matchup with the Oakland Raiders, he underwent an MRI revealing a mass in his chest. Through further testing, the most likely cause of the pain appeared to be lymphoma. In a subsequent move Monday, Berry was placed on the non-football injury reserve list. In the meantime, he is headed to Atlanta, where he will see a specialist at Emory University Hospital.
No one has ever questioned Eric Berry’s toughness. As a longtime Chiefs’ supporter, I have witnessed this first hand. He’s never looked the least bit intimated in any scenario and I expect to see more of the same in his most recent battle. From Earl Thomas, Robert Griffin III, Cris Carter, and countless others, it is clear he has plenty of support in his challenge.
My heart is hurting for @Stuntman1429. He is an inspiration to everyone that plays this game & I pray for strength to get him through this.
— Earl Thomas (@Earl_Thomas) November 25, 2014
Praying for my brother @Stuntman1429 and his family
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 25, 2014
Please pray for Eric Berry @Stuntman1429
— Cris Carter (@criscarter80) November 24, 2014
Cancer.org defines lymphoma as being “a cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body’s immune system. While the treatment strategies can vary depending on the type of lymphoma, there have been plenty of success stories. One prime example involves MLB pitcher, Jon Lester. When Lester was diagnosed, he had anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Through off-season chemotherapy treatments, Lester made it through the disease and has gone on to turn the poor situation into a positive one. Not only by regaining his dominance on the baseball mound, but through the establishment of the foundation NVRQT.
“I will be back!” Whether it be during his days in the SEC at Tennessee or with the Chiefs, Berry has always been dominant at the game of football. Since getting drafted by the Chiefs in 2010, he has also displayed a community presence making him a fan favorite among many. However, now as his team prepares for a Sunday night match-up with the Denver Broncos, he faces a bigger challenge. When it’s all said and done, football is still just a game. What Eric Berry is facing is much more than just a game. Despite this, he is clearly the right man for the challenge. As head coach Andy Reid stated, “He’s a beast.” The three-time NFL Pro-Bowler is just that. In this case, cancer did not choose an easy opponent.
Please keep Eric in your prayers during this time.
Feel free to donate to the Jimmy V Foundation here
Follow me on Twitter @_BrandonOgle and tweet #BerryStrong to show your support for Eric.
