Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry did not play in the NFL in 2019. But he plans to return to the field next season, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Garafolo notes that Berry actually had opportunities to play this year. But he intentionally stayed out of football in order to make sure he was fully recovered from his Achilles injury that knocked him out for most of 2017 and 2018.

Berry was released by the Chiefs last March.

It has certainly been a roller-coaster of an NFL career for Berry.

The 31-year-old was originally selected by Kansas City with the fifth overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft.

He played in every game during his rookie campaign and instantly stamped his name among the best defensive backs in the league. He finished with 92 tackles, a couple of sacks, four interceptions, a forced fumble, nine passes defended and a defensive touchdown en route to a Pro Bowl selection.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)

A torn ACL than knocked Berry out in 2011. But he made his way back in 2012 and notched another Pro Bowl appearance. Then, the following year, Berry not only made the Pro Bowl, but also earned a First-Team All-Pro selection. Berry racked up 74 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three picks, a pair of forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two defensive scores.

A bout with cancer then limited Berry to just six games in 2014. However, he returned with a vengeance in 2015. He proceeded to make back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances. He also earned consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections in 2015 and 2016.

Berry then proceeded to tear his Achilles in 2017 and has been on the comeback trail ever since.