KC Chiefs: Tyrann Mathieu and Eric Berry have striking similarities

In March of 2019 the K.C. Chiefs made an emotionally tough decision by cutting ties with Chiefs safety and football legend Eric Berry. Plagued by injuries, it came to a point in which the organization could no longer justify keeping money tied up in him, despite spending nine seasons in Kansas City.

In that very same month however the Chiefs signed another safety: Tyrann Mathieu. In addition to sharing the same position as well as a special place in the hearts’ of Chiefs Kingdom, these two players also share a lengthy catalog of additional similarities.

Both Eric Berry and Tyrann Mathieu boast an impressive college resumé

These two fearsome safeties had incredibly impressive careers in college. Though each should be admired on their own accord, it is difficult not to draw comparisons between the two. Both Berry and Mathieu played in the SEC, the latter playing for LSU and the former playing for the University of Tennessee. Though only the “Honey Badger” secured an SEC Championship as well as the honor of being a Heisman Trophy Finalist, both in 2011, Berry and him both attained accolades that mirrored those of the other.

Berry and Mathieu each were named as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Berry started the trend in 2008 and Mathieu followed three years later in 2011. Maintaining this theme, Berry and Mathieu were also both named First Team All-SEC. Berry obtained this twice, actually, in 2008 as well as 2009. Once again, Mathieu followed his footsteps in 2011.

Additionally, both athletes would be awarded for their talents beyond the SEC level. Eric Berry was awarded the Jim Thorpe Award in 2009, an honor given to the best defensive back in college football. The always competitive Tyrann Mathieu would then go on to win the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2011, signifying his position as the best defensive player in college football.

Their resemblance continued in the NFL

Berry and Mathieu were drafted only three years apart, in 2010 and 2013, respectively. It didn’t take long before each made a name for themselves as hard-hitting ball hawks who kept opposing quarterbacks up at night. Their hard nosed yet intelligent style of play in the pros earned them each a spot on the NFL 2010’s All-Decade Team. Berry was, of course, listed as a safety while the versatile Mathieu was listed as a defensive back.

Neither Berry nor Mathieu were strangers to the Pro Bowl. Berry was named to the Pro Bowl an impressive five times, in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016. Mathieu also earned himself a couple of Pro Bowl nods in 2015 and 2020. Both men also earned their way into being selected First Team All-Pro three times. Berry was selected in 2013, 2015 and 2016, while Mathieu appeared in 2015, 2019 and 2020.

Berry and Mathieu made chief impacts in Kansas City

If you ask Chiefs’ fans about some of their favorite defensive plays it won’t take long before you hear the names of these two. For Berry, one might recall his infamous game-sealing “Pick 2” in Atlanta, or they might remember him ferociously attempting to get his fellow defensive players to line up correctly against New England in the 2018 AFC Championship game—much to the encumbrance of the, should we say, inept, Bob Sutton.

On the other hand, recalling some of Mathieu’s top plays in a Chiefs’ uniform would lead to the image of his interception returned for a touchdown against the Patriots, outrunning Julien Edelman in the process. If fans wanted to think back to 2019, Mathieu’s first year with the Chiefs, they would certainly remember his airtight coverage on DeAndre Hopkins during the Chiefs’ comeback in the AFC Divisional Playoffs that ultimately led to a Super Bowl victory.

Ultimately, it can be said without question that Eric Berry will forever be a Chiefs legend. His knack for the football, his refusal to give up in the face of adversity, and his (albeit less-unhinged) Chuck Cecil-esque tackling abilities earned him a place in Chiefs Kingdom for eternity.

Despite only being on the team for two seasons, the Honey Badger is on a surefire trajectory that should place him in the same ranks as Berry. Mathieu’s IQ on the field is certainly on par with Berry, and his talents and motivations were absolutely instrumental in both Super Bowl runs over the last two years.

The Chiefs’ secondary and defensive unit as a whole would not be the same without their motivation, intelligence, love for the game and will to not only win, but dominate.