Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry played football in Arrowhead Stadium on Friday, something he hadn't done in nearly 10 months. While the Chiefs narrowly won a preseason bout, Berry's return home was the most notable victory on the evening.
Berry's battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma is well-publicized and every appearance the Pro Bowl player makes should be considered a significant milestone in his recovery. However, Berry found his return to Arrowhead to be extra special, only partly because his family was in the crowd.
"All those emotions you have just riding through that parking lot," Berry explained after the game, "you have to be part of the Kansas City Chiefs family to understand how that feels. Everyone is grilling out and having a good time. ... But every time you come through, it's like they know when a player is coming. They stop and they wave, and they just give so many words of encouragement.
"It's almost like a pre-pep game talk. Just seeing those guys out there, it does a lot for me emotionally."
Berry has had some time to overcome his understandable emotions on the sidelines, as the Chiefs are easing him slowly back into full game shape; the safety saw just 21 snaps in Friday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Arrowhead Pride. Still, that's more than the eight snaps he played in his first game back.
Berry hopes that number continues to grow, barring injury this week, in Kansas City's third preseason game against the Titans.
"Having those live bullets and being out there in the fire definitely helps you more," Berry said, "and it gets you ready for the season. I'm excited. Whatever they want to do, though, I'm ready for it. I'm just going to adjust and roll with it."
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