KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Bombshell news of Eric Berry’s possible lymphoma diagnosis has overshadowed Kansas City Chiefs’ preparations for a huge divisional showdown with the rival Denver Broncos on Sunday night.
Berry is out for the season and preparing for a much bigger fight, the fight potentially for his life. But he’s not alone as the football community is rallying its support.
He’s been a winner at every level of football, and Berry’s teammates say this will be no different. Word of the likelihood of Berry having cancer made its way through the Chiefs’ locker room, and teammates are joining the local community in wishing Berry the best.
Chiefs’ linebacker Josh Mauga told FOX 4 he’s had Berry on his mind. Mauga and Berry have only been teammates for the past 11 games. He said Berry showed no signs of having a serious medical concern, but believes the safety’s spirit is strong enough to overcome.
“It’s heartbreaking. He’s a team leader; coming off his injury from before, when he missed those games, it’s tough,” Mauga said. “He’s got a lot of heart and a lot of passion. Anything thrown his way, he’s up for the challenge and he’s ready to beat it.”
Support for Berry is coming from all avenues. Berry’s Twitter followers have sent their tweets of encouragement. And at Gilda’s Club of Kansas City, Clara Anderson Sainte and her counselors confront cancer every day. She says it’s important that Berry’s loved ones provide him with social and emotional support at the rate he needs it.
“’I’m here. What do you need from me? What is most helpful?’” These are the kinds of questions you can ask of Eric Berry. Let him direct what kind of support he needs,” Sainte said.
“He’s a strong guy. Very passionate. We’ll be here to support him,” Mauga said.
Berry has been moved to the non-football injury list by the Chiefs, which will enable him to return when he’s healthy again. Chiefs officials say he’s scheduled to see an oncology specialist in Georgia on Tuesday, where he’ll get more answers concerning his health.
