Sept. 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO: Chiefs safety Eric Berry points to the sky as he enters the field prior to Thursday night’s home opener against the Denver Broncos. (Chris Neal/The Topeka Capital-Journal)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Eric Berry can add another notable award to his trophy case.
The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) on Monday selected Berry as the winner of the 2016 George Halas Award, which recognizes a “player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.”
The Chiefs safety accomplished that standard and more the past season.
Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in November 2014 before enduring chemotherapy treatment through May 2015. He was declared free of cancer in June and reported for training camp in late July.
Berry went on to appear in all 16 regular-season games (15 starts). He finished third on the team with 61 tackles (55 solo), while adding two interceptions and 10 passes defensed en route to being selected first-team All-Pro and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year by The Associated Press.
The PFWA also selected Berry to its All-NFL, ALL-AFC teams, and named him as the Comeback Player of the Year.
Since 1970, the PFWA has named 47 winners of the George Halas Award.
Monday’s announcement marks the first time a member of the Chiefs franchise has been selected as the George Halas Award recipient by the PFWA.
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Herbie Teope is the lead Chiefs beat writer for The Topeka Capital-Journal and ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @HerbieTeope.
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