Every year since 1970, the PFWA (Pro Football Writers of America) has given out the George Halas Award. Named after legendary Bears coach George Halas, the award is bestowed upon an NFL player, coach or member of staff who has overcome adversity. This year, they gave the award to Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry. Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December of 2014, and overcame the disease after six rounds of chemotherapy. He returned to football cancer-free this past year and returned to elite form right from his return. He was voted as a starting safety in the Pro Bowl, as well as the first-team All-Pro and the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year. In fact, Berry did so well this past year that Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller ranked him as the best strong safety in the NFL.
Berry is the 47th person to receive the George Halas Award, and the first Chiefs player to do so. He beat out Saints cornerback Delvin Breaux, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, Patriots Nate Solder, Panthers special teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven and Bills guard Richie Incognito. Berry appeared in all 16 games and started in 15 of them. He had two interceptions and finished third on his team with 61 tackles.
Congratulations to Eric Berry- a true inspiration to all of us.
