In what has to be described as a shocking bit of news around the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs have announced the release of five-time Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry.
“On behalf of my family and the entire Chiefs organization, I want to thank Eric for his many contributions to the Chiefs over the last nine seasons,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said, via the team’s official website. “Eric has been a tremendous leader for our football team and an inspiration to so many fans over the years, and we sincerely appreciate all that he has meant to the Chiefs.”
This move comes days before $7.25 million of Berry’s 2019 contract would have become fully guaranteed.
An inspirational player on and off the field, Berry’s career has been defined by brilliant play and overcoming personal anguish to dominate for the Chiefs.
It was just years back that the former Tennessee standout and top-five pick was diagnosed with cancer. He beat the disease — only to come back as strong as ever.
Unfortunately, Berry has been plagued by injuries in recent years. He’s played in a grand total of three games over the past two seasons.
Despite this, there promises to be a strong market for Berry’s services in free agency now that the top safeties are off the market.