Chiefs' Eric Berry Visiting Lymphoma Specialist After Doctors Find Mass In His Chest

NFL Star Facing Possible Cancer Diagnosis
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 01: Strong safety Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs through a fog machine while he is introduced prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on December 1, 2013 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 01: Strong safety Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs through a fog machine while he is introduced prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on December 1, 2013 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry has been placed on the non-football illness list after doctors discovered a mass in his chest, the team announced on Monday. According to Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder, Berry first complained of chest discomfort following the team's game against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night. An MRI on Friday revealed the mass in the right side of his chest.

While there was no definitive diagnosis on Monday, the "leading consideration for what he has right now is lymphoma," Burkholder said during a press conference in Kansas City. The three-time Pro Bowl selection has traveled to Atlanta to undergo further examination by a lymphoma specialist at Emory University Hospital.

“I am truly thankful for all of the support from family, friends, coaches, teammates and the entire Chiefs kingdom," Berry said in a statement released by the Chiefs. "At first I was in shock with the diagnosis on Saturday and did not even want to miss a game, but I understand that right now I have to concentrate on a new opponent. I have great confidence in the doctors and the plan they are going to put in place for me to win this fight. I believe that I am in God’s hands and I have great peace in that. I know my coaches and teammates will hold things down here the rest of the season and until I am back running out of the tunnel at Arrowhead. I am so thankful and appreciative of being a part of this franchise and playing in front of the best fans in the NFL. I will be back!”

After the Chiefs announced Berry's health status, several NFL players expressed their concern and support on Twitter. Fans also got a #BerryStrong hashtag trending on the social media platform.

Wishing the best of luck Eric Berry. Sad news...

— Terrance Knighton (@MrKnighton2u) November 24, 2014

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