Eric Berry talks Andy Reid, getting in football shape and more
Eric Berry spoke to the media on Monday, talking about his love of Andy Reid.
The Kansas City Chiefs are back at work on Monday after a day off, and they welcomed a familiar face into the fold. After sitting out all of the spring and summer due to contract negotiations gone sour, strong safety Eric Berry is back.
Berry, 27, signed his franchise tender of $10.8 million on Sunday. After this season – during which general manager John Dorsey can’t negotiate with Berry or his agent – Berry will become a free agent. Kansas City could tag him again, costing the team roughly $13 million against the cap. Let’s just say that is highly unlikely.
While speaking with the media on Monday, Berry talked about a litany of different topics, including Andy Reid, the defensive changes and getting into football shape…
"It was tough to be away. I love my teammates."
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) August 29, 2016
~ Eric Berry. pic.twitter.com/eg4x1T1IHP
"I should be."
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) August 29, 2016
~ #Chiefs safety Eric Berry on whether or not he'll be ready Week 1 against the #Chargers.
Eric Berry talking about his special relationship with head coach Andy Reid, which he said "goes beyond football."
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) August 29, 2016
Berry said he had questions for DBs coach Emmitt Thomas & Al Harris after watching first three preseason games. Said small things changed.
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) August 29, 2016
Berry said the biggest difference in getting into football shape will be used to guys flying around his legs.
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) August 29, 2016
I asked Berry if he is still as invested in the #Chiefs as a leader & player:
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) August 29, 2016
“Always,” he said. “That’s in my DNA. Can’t change that.”
I believe him, too. Berry laughed a lot and seemed genuinely happy to be back. Good sign for a team that's going to need him this year.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) August 29, 2016
Berry is expected to sit out of Thursday’s preseason game with the rest of the starters. He will then have another week and change of practice before the Chiefs open the regular season against the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 11.
While it was assumed Berry would be back, it is a relief to see him in uniform.