Chiefs’ Eric Berry cleared to return to football after battling lymphoma

After extensive testing, Kansas City safety Eric Berry has been cleared to return to football and could practice as soon as Wednesday, according to the team. Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last December.

Berry’s future in the NFL became an afterthought last year when the diagnosis was announced. He first became aware of the conditions when he felt chest pains during a game in late November. Berry underwent testing the following day and a mass was found in his chest. He then underwent treatment at Emory University and completed the treatments in May, roughly six months after he was first diagnosed.

Even then, his future in the NFL was still unknown. At the time, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said everything had gone well and was headed in the right direction, but Berry would still need to meet with doctors to decide his future. Reid met with the media earlier on Tuesday and said Berry was going through extensive tests and the team expected to know his status soon.

The tests returned clean and Berry’s future in the league is now much clearer. Not only can he return to action, but he’s eligible to practice when the Chiefs open training camp. Not only did Berry defeat the disease, but he managed to stay in shape while undergoing lymphoma treatments.

“He’s kept himself in good shape believe it or not,” Reid said, via Arrowhead Pride. “He’s really done a good job there.”

Berry and Reid will address the media following practice on Wednesday to further discuss his condition and football timeline.