Eric Berry, a safety for the Kansas City Chiefs, was recently put on the non-football illness list after tests revealed that be might have lymphoma. On Sunday, the NFL squad supported their teammate with specially designed warm-up t-shirts.

Eric Berry’s Health

Berry, 25, had complained of chest discomfort following the Chief’s game against the Oakland Raiders Nov. 20. The pain didn’t abate come Friday, leading Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder to schedule Berry for some tests.

“At this point in time, we don’t have a definitive diagnosis,” Burkholder said at a news conference last week. “But the leading consideration for what he has right now is lymphoma.”

As for Berry, he has exuded a strong attitude and optimistic outlook about his prognosis. He’s also expressed his thanks to his family and to the Chiefs. “I am truly thankful for all of the support from family, friends, coaches, teammates and the entire Chiefs kingdom,” Berry said in a statement. “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,” Berry added. “I believe that I am in God’s hands and I have great peace in that.”

Chiefs Support Berry

While warming up for their game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the Chiefs donned white t-shirts that read, “Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Berry” on the front over the image of a red football, and Berry’s name and number 29 on the back. Once Berry’s lymphoma diagnosis is confirmed, the shirts will be made available for purchase to the public.

During Sunday’s game, the Chiefs also honored Berry by wearing his preferred red-on-red uniform. At a first-quarter commercial break the Chiefs played a video tribute to Berry that zeroed in on the many signs of support held up by fans at Arrowhead Stadium.

“When you get in these situations, you hunker down and you battle for your life is what you do,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid. “You have to be in a certain frame of mind. You have to have a certain support system to back you up, and Eric’s got that, not only with family but also with the Chiefs.”