Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host
It has been nearly 14 years since the University of Tennessee last immortalized one of its legends by retiring a jersey, honoring Johnny Majors’ No. 45 on September 15, 2012.
The idea for this article came from listening to Sam Beard on Fox Sports Knoxville’s Talk Sports. The University of Tennessee lists its requirements for jersey retirement as meeting at least three of the following criteria: SEC Player of the Year, a national award winner, First Team All-American honors, or a career record holder in a significant category at the UT, SEC, or national level.
There is one player who fits those criteria, and frankly, it is a sin that he has yet to receive this honor:
Playing at Tennessee from 2007-2009, Berry was the player brought up on Talk Sports who sparked the idea for this article. He was a 2009 All-American, the 2009 Jim Thorpe Award winner, and the 2008 SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
Spending three seasons on Rocky Top, Berry established himself as one of the best defensive backs in program history before being selected fifth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Berry became the face of Tennessee football during one of the program’s most difficult eras. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest safeties in college football history.
Berry’s impact also extended far beyond the football field. He became a beacon of inspiration after overcoming incredible adversity throughout his career. In 2011, Berry tore his ACL. After recovering from that injury, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2014. Just seven months later, Berry was cancer-free.
He was cleared to return to football and made his comeback during the Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason in mid-August. That season, he was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl, completing one of the most remarkable comeback stories in NFL history.
Dr. Christopher Flowers, who diagnosed and treated Berry at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, praised Berry’s strength and determination during his battle.
"I was truly awed by the incredible achievement," Flowers told FOX Sports. "I reached out to him today to congratulate him, and Eric is really, truly a testament to the great will and spirit of an individual in overcoming this cancer."
When looking at Tennessee’s own criteria for jersey retirement, Eric Berry checks every box. His accomplishments on the field, his impact on the program, and his perseverance off it make the decision simple: Retire Eric Berry’s No. 14 as soon as possible.
Comments