Eric Berry wins Comeback Player of the Year

The right choice was made. On Saturday night at the National Football League, Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry was announced as the Associated Press’ Comeback Player of the Year.

Berry’s story is well known, not just in these parts but nationally. After being drafted fifth-overall out of the University of Tennessee in the 2010 NFL Draft, Berry starred for the Chiefs over his first four seasons. In that span, Berry was named an All-Pro once and a Pro Bowler on three occasions.

In 2014, Berry dealt with a high ankle sprain before the shocking announcement came down that he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after a Week 12 game against the Oakland Raiders. Berry would miss the rest of the season and undergo chemotherapy throughout the winter and spring.

Stunningly, Berry would not only return to the Chiefs in 2015, he would not miss a single practice or game. He finished the regular season with two interceptions and was named a First-Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler. After all his cancer treatments were over, Berry had actually gained a pound and then turned in his finest pro season.

Congrats to Mr. Berry, who certainly deserves this award.