Chiefs players unanimously vote Eric Berry team MVP

[DaFace]

Yes, it's another Eric Berry thread. It's OK. I promise.

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...135163464.html

Chiefs players unanimously vote Eric Berry team MVP
BY TEREZ A. PAYLOR
tpaylor@kcstar.com

When Eric Berry reported to the Chiefs last August, he did so — to the surprise of many — without the long-term security he sought.

Granted, his $10.8 million salary for 2016 via the franchise tender was certainly nothing to sneeze at. But he would again be forced to play for his money, like friend and outside linebacker Justin Houston was forced to in 2014.

And while some players would have sulked at an uncertain financial future — in football, a career-ending injury is only a hit away — Berry plastered a smile on his face, prepared like a maniac and again served as the heart and soul of a team that not only went 12-4, but won the AFC West for the first time in 2010.

And for that, Berry — who delivered a second consecutive all-pro season with shades of dominance unlike the 22-sack contract season that helped Houston earn a $101 million extension — was named the Derrick Thomas Team MVP at the 101 Awards on Sunday night.

This marks the second time Berry, 28, has won the award during his seven-year career with the Chiefs. Last season, he shared it with quarterback Alex Smith. But this time, he earned it all on his own, winning the award — which is voted on by Chiefs players — unaninimously, something Hunt couldn’t remember happening recently.

“Very few” have done that, “if ever,” Hunt said.

But Berry did, not only by racking up 77 tackles, nine pass deflections and four interceptions, but also delivering some iconic moments in thrilling victories. He picked off two passes — including a game-winning “pick-2” in his return to his hometown of Atlanta, and his pick-6 against Carolina changed the game as the Chiefs mounted a 17-point comeback.

What’s more, Berry served as a respected figure in the locker room, one who emerged as the alpha dog in the room. His victory over lymphoma in 2015 gave him all sorts of cachet with his teammates, who roundly respect how he approaches his craft and could not believe how quickly he beat the disease and returned to all-pro form.

Berry said he did it by adopting a simple philosophy, though it is one that is easier said than done: Make the most of each day, and stack good days one on top of another. Stay focused on the goal, and eliminate distractions.

“There’s so many distractions, so many things going on outside the building,” Berry explained. “I just tried to help them along the way, and they do the same for me, so I guess that’s probably one of the reasons they voted for me.”

But even he didn’t think he’d be a unanimous selection as team MVP.

“It makes me feel good,” Berry said. “My dad always told me; there’s nothing like having the respect of your teammates, and it’s a wonderful feeling. There’s so many different types of people on this team, and I think the thing about it is I think we all put our differences aside to make each other better. And that’s great; a beautiful thing to see.”

Berry’s presence was a big reason for the Chiefs’ success, but he wasn’t the only reason. Dave Toub’s special teams ranked as one of the best in the league, and for that, fifth-round rookie Tyreek Hill deserves credit. Hill was a unanimous all-pro selection after returning two punts and a kick for touchdowns, and on Sunday, he was named the recipient of the Mack Lee Hill Award as the club’s rookie of the year.

“I did not know anything about this award until midseason, when guys started filling my head with ‘Oh, you’re gonna win the Mack Lee,’” said Hill, who tied Abner Haynes’ rookie club record with 12 total touchdowns.

The Chiefs were roundly criticized for their selection of Hill, who pled guilty to domestic abuse by strangulation of his then-pregnant girlfriend in 2015. But Hill has apologized for his actions, and since then he’s spoken often about his desire to be a good role model for his son, a notion he repeated Sunday.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, have maintained that Hill has done the right things off the field since then, meaning he’s presumably participated in court-mandated, anger-management classes while completing a year-long batterer’s intervention program, and Hunt indicated Sunday that the club is pleased with Hill’s growth over the past year.

“His play on the field sort of speaks for itself, but he was a model teammate and did everything that we asked him to do to grow professionally,” Hunt said. “We’re just very excited about that and optimistic about the future.”

So is Hill, who is already turning his attention to building on his dynamic rookie year, with the help of veteran receiver Jeremy Maclin.

“I’ve just got to keep positive people around me, whether it’s teammates, family,” Hill said. “Jeremy Maclin has been a big part of my life in football. He’s been guiding me, showing me the right things, how to be a man in the NFL ... I’ve already started training with Jeremy here in K.C.”

But while Hill is under contract for the next three years, Berry’s immediate future is a little murkier. Berry told The Star at the Super Bowl that he will sit out the season if he is franchise-tagged and not given a long-term contract by the July 15 deadline, and he reiterated that point Sunday when asked if he’s changed his mind.

“No I haven’t,” Berry said. “I still stand firm on that.”

Hunt said the conversation between the club and Berry’s representation is ongoing.

“The conversation is ongoing, and I think the good news is both the organization and the player want to get it done,” Hunt said. “It’s just a matter of finding the middle ground that works for both parties at this point.”

Berry confirmed that there’s been contact between his agent and the team, though he knows better than to assume anything.

“I’m going to keep being patient because you never know,” Berry said. “Last year I thought one thing and it didn’t happen. So I’m not getting my hopes up; I’m looking at it logically.”

The Chiefs have until 3 p.m. Wednesday to designate Berry — or even another pending free agent, like star nose tackle Dontari Poe — with the franchise tag. The team can only use it on one player, so one could hit the open market with zero restrictions if the Chiefs can’t sign at least one of them to an extension before the deadline.

“We’ll just work on that as we go along here,” Hunt said, when asked if Poe will be back. “There’s a sequence we need to approach things with ... we’ve still got a few weeks before we get into free agency, and Dontari is somebody we’d love to have back with the team this year.”

Berry, for his part, would love to be back, too.

“I really hope so ... I think so, too,” Berry said, when asked if he thinks he’ll remain in Kansas City. “Only time will tell. We’ll see.”

[The Franchise]

Pay the man.

[Bowser]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Pay the man.

^

[Reerun_KC]

Welcome to KC Eric...

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Deal incoming.

[Chief Roundup]

Look at that not a single vote the Alex Smith.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

Look at that not a single vote the Alex Smith.

It does say he got some votes as MVP last year, though. That's interesting.

[Reerun_KC]

Originally Posted by DaFace

It does say he got some votes as MVP last year, though. That's interesting.

Strange that the most important player on your team and on the field isnt getting votes...

[Chief Roundup]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Pay the man.

I agree but we all know it won't be long after until we start hearing that his contract is a problem and that his play is not worth the contract and all that just like with Houston.

[SAUTO]

Originally Posted by DaFace

It does say he got some votes as MVP last year, though. That's interesting.

They split last year. This year berry was unanimous.
That says a lot to me.

[dlphg9]

Sign him dear lord. Make him the highest paid safety and he will sign

[Chief Roundup]

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

They split last year. This year berry was unanimous.
That says a lot to me.

Yeah and not just that Eric had such a good year but that Alex had such a bad year and the teammates might be starting to realize the position they are in with Smith as the QB.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

I agree but we all know it won't be long after until we start hearing that his contract is a problem and that his play is not worth the contract and all that just like with Houston.

I do worry about this. We haven't had great luck with big contracts for guys lately. Seems like we've had someone's huge contract hanging from our necks for 10 years now.

[Jewish Rabbi]

Unanimous? So he voted for himself? Lol

[Hammock Parties]

locker room revolt coming if this franchise chooses Alex Smith over Eric Berry