The Kansas City Chiefs have parted with many franchise icons in recent years. The team released all-time leading rusher Jamaal Charles two years ago, and waived stalwart middle linebacker Derrick Johnson a year later.
Earlier this week, the Chiefs parted ways with edge defender Justin Houston, who made four Pro Bowls during his eight seasons with the club.
None of their departures, though, as significant as they were for Kansas City fans, resonated with Chiefs Kingdom like that of Eric Berry – a reality of which the organization is fully aware.
After announcing their decision to release the beloved veteran safety on Wednesday, the Chiefs released a video thanking Berry for his time wearing red and gold.
Nine seasons. 440 tackles. 14 interceptions. Thank you, EB. pic.twitter.com/LHmlJbq1Pk
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 13, 2019
Organization leaders, including head coach Andy Reid, released statements showering Berry with praise, too.
“I’d like to thank Eric for his contributions to our team and the Kansas City community over the last nine years,” he said. “Seeing his passion and watching his love for the game has been truly remarkable. He’s a special person, and we wish him the best as his career moves forward.”
Berry was selected by the Chiefs with the fifth overall pick of the 2010 draft. He immediately established himself as an impact player for Kansas City, also setting a tone in the locker room that would become a hallmark of many successful teams for years to come.
In 2014, Berry's season was cut short when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He returned a season later after undergoing chemotherapy and being ruled cancer free, earning his fourth of five Pro Bowl appearances with the team.
Berry, 30, has played in just three regular season games over the past two years while dealing with fallout from a ruptured achilles he suffered in the 2017 season-opener.
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