Table of ContentsEric Berry BioExperiences with Cancer and InjuriesGirlfriendEric Berry is a professional football player currently plying his trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. He is a 9-year NFL veteran and plays defensive back as a free safety. Berry is widely considered the NFL's comeback guy and the reason isn't far-fetched. He battled career-threatening injuries and even cancer to remain one of the best defensive players in the league. Want to know more about his fight against cancer as well as his injuries? We have what you need. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get Original EssayEric Berry BioJames Eric Berry was born on December 29, 1988, in Fairburn City, Fulton County, Georgia. He received his high school education at Creekside High School, where he was an outstanding multi-sport athlete. He lettered in soccer, long jump and sprint and excelled in all three. Berry was crowned state champion in the 200m (Class 4A) in 2005 and in 2007 was crowned state champion in the long jump (Class 4A). He was also selected to participate in the 2007 Army All-American Bowl, a football game featuring 90 of the nation's top high school football players. Following these exploits, he was pursued by several colleges who offered him scholarships but he chose the University of Tennessee. Berry spent three years (2007 - 2009) at the University of Tennessee during which he broke several records and received numerous awards and honors. During his junior year, he was named the best defensive freshman in the SEC (South Eastern Conference). During his sophomore year, he won the Jack Tatum Award for Best Defensive Back and was unanimously named an All-American, an honor reserved for college athletes judged to be the best at their position. He also had a great third year; he was again named a unanimous All-American and also won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in college football. Berry was selected by the Kansa City Chiefs in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft as the fifth overall pick, making him the first defensive back to be drafted in the league since 2004. The Chiefs signed him for a 6-year contract worth $60,000,000, making him the highest-paid safety in the league. They didn't stop there, but named him their starting safety for the season, even though he was a rookie. In his 9 years with the Chiefs, Berry rewarded this enormous show of faith and proved to value everyone. hundred that the chiefs paid for him. In 87 games with the Chiefs, he made a total of 434 tackles (including 369 solo) and deflected 50 passes. His records also include 5.5 QB sacks and 14 interceptions for 374 yards and 5 touchdowns. His incredible performances have earned him numerous honors and recognition, including a 5-time Pro Bowl call-up. The Pro Bowl is the NFL's annual all-star game showcasing the best the league has to offer. Experiences with cancer and injuries It must be noted that it was not all roses for Berry as he endured challenges that would have ended any ordinary player's career. In his second season with the Chiefs, he was injured in the very first game; a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) that forced him to miss the remainder of the 2011 season. Berry did not let the injury hold him back, but came back strong in the 2012 season. He achieved a total of 86 tackles (including 77 solo) and deflected.