Eric Berry set model for 2015 Chiefs

Evening, Addicts! Some of you may remember me, others may have been wondering where I had gone; fear not, loyal fan (I think I won over at least one of you last year), much like the 2015 Kansas City Chiefs, I’ve returned from the brink.

I’m here to yet again do that thing I do where I cover everything Chiefs related with a syrupy mixture of optimism and naivete. You can expect more Travis Kelce gushing, Jamaal Charles idolizing, and semi-insightful conjecture (I was totally right about that by the way). Basically, I hope you’re thirsty, because I’m pouring the kool-aid.

Like many of you, I’ve watched every game this season in a conflicted state of optimism and confusion. The 2015 Chiefs have been a whirlwind of inspiring highs and lows that at times felt deeper than the Mariana Trench. Yes, it’s cliche, but this season has been a roller coaster ride if I’ve ever seen one. There were a few times I thought I might lose my lunch.

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Now it seems that we’re through the loop, and that nausea has been replaced with a hunger for more: more games, more touchdowns, more sacks, more interceptions, and most importantly, more wins. Chiefs football is alive and well, and I don’t know about you, but I can’t get enough right now. I stood in the rain at Arrowhead this past weekend for a little over three hours, and with the way the team was playing in the second half, I would have gladly stood out there for another four.

It struck me the other day how fitting the Chiefs season thus far has been in a greater context. The 2015 Kansas City Chiefs are all about overcoming adversity. That is what will make or break this team down the stretch. A rash of injuries and a handful of tough losses have set the tone for the season. Now, almost three quarters through, the Chiefs will have to demonstrate once and for all that they are ready to overcome any hurdles standing in the way of them and that elusive playoff win. Despite what the schedule suggests, it won’t be a cakewalk.

Luckily, the Chiefs have the perfect role model.

Now, merely a year later, Berry is back

If you recall, last year I wrote a piece around this time of year. It was one I had no idea I’d be writing at the time, and one I wish I’d never had too. I’m of course referring to my open letter to Eric Berry. It was just over a year ago now that the Chiefs played a fateful Thursday Night Football game against the Oakland Raiders. Not only did the Chiefs lose, but they lost Berry to a chest injury that would turn out to be Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. A season much like this one, filled with highs and lows, had reached its nadir.

Now, merely a year later, Berry is back. Not just playing, but really, really back. Eric Berry faced the greatest challenge of his life and has responded with an incredible amount of courage. It’s hard to look at the guy and his journey and not be inspired.

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That’s exactly the model the Chiefs need to follow for the rest of their season. This team has faced more than one obstacle, and at times the task at hand has seemed impossible. By turning around the season and amassing their first winning record since Week 1, the Chiefs have shown that they have the ability to overcome adversity. All they need to do is follow the trail blazed by Eric Berry, and continue to fight. Fight for 2015, and more importantly, for the franchise’ first playoff win since Jan. 1994.

It’s been a year since last season’s Week 12 loss to the Raiders. Now, it’s Week 13, and the Chiefs are in Oakland. Berry is back and the Chiefs are alive in the playoff race. I can think of no other game more fitting to be played this week, nor can I think of a more fitting time to make my return to the site.

It’s good to be back, Addicts. I have a feeling it’s only going to get better from here.