The NFL immortalized Chiefs legend Eric Berry Monday, declaring his 2015 comeback from cancer the greatest Comeback Player of the Year story in league history.
The tribute celebrates Berry’s triumph after a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss reignited Kansas City’s resolve.
Berry, 36, battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014, facing fears of not waking up each night. “If I don’t wake up, I don’t wake up,” he said, embracing resilience. Returning in 2015, he recorded 55 tackles and two interceptions, earning the AP Comeback POY with a 77.8 PFF grade.
The NFL’s honor, announced at a Kansas City ceremony, lauded Berry’s courage. “Eric’s story is unmatched,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said. Chiefs icons Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the latter nearing retirement, hailed Berry as “our warrior,” inspiring the 2025 roster.
POWERFUL: #CHIEFS GREAT ERIC BERRY STORY OF OVERCOMING CANCER & RETURNING TO FOOTBALL IS BEAUTIFUL❤️
“I don't know if I'm gonna wake up tomorrow, scared to go to sleep” It got to the point for Eric: ‘Im going to sleep. If I don't wake up, I don't wake up’pic.twitter.com/dZwCs7r8mn
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 10, 2025
Kansas City’s draft—Josh Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Nohl Williams, Jalen Royals, Jeffrey Bassa, and Brashard Smith—bolsters a squad with Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice. Berry’s legacy, echoed by JuJu Smith-Schuster’s pay cut and free agent Jadeveon Clowney, fuels Andy Reid’s final season push. GM Brett Veach called Berry “a timeless inspiration.”
Chiefs Kingdom erupted in pride. With two remaining picks, including No. 226, Kansas City eyes secondary depth. Berry’s honor, a beacon of resilience, ignites 2025 Super Bowl dreams, uniting Mahomes’ team to chase glory in his name.
