It goes without saying the Kansas City Chiefs have undergone some significant changes this NFL offseason. As a result, they seem to be relying on their veteran leaders now more than ever.

Among the notable players still left with the team after an eventful offseason is safety Eric Berry. Despite his status as a leader and All-Pro, he feels it is important for him to treat all his teammates equally, via the team's official website:

“We’re a team,” Berry intently explained. “Things happen during the season where the next man has got to be up. I truly don’t believe in second team or third team. I was taught that if you’re in the game, you’re a starter. So, I treat everybody like they’re a starter.

“Once you’re in, everybody else is going to treat you like a starter as well, so I’m just preparing them before they get on the field so it won’t be too big for them. They can already be ahead and be thinking about what they need to be doing.”

There is certainly plenty of truth to Berry's comments. Although league-wide respect is largely predicated on a player's roster status, none of that matters once they actually find themselves on the field. It is important for players to be ready to go at all times given the physical nature of this sport. That said, Berry seems to understand that more than most.

Even before he defeated cancer, he learned the importance of being a good teammate from his older peers. He credits his professionalism to former cornerback Brandon Flowers, who was the top dog in the Chiefs' secondary back when Berry first came into the league. Of course, he has always led by example with his character both on and off the field. Now it appears the five-time Pro Bowler is at that point in his career where he can pay it forward for the younger guys on the roster.