The story of Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry and everything he's been through is well known by now, and when he spoke with the media on Thursday afternoon, he made it very clear to everyone on what he's hoping to accomplish this season.
It was simple, yet powerful, given everything he's been through over the past 10 months.
"If you turn on the TV and you look at 29 on the field, you can say 'That guy right there plays football how it's supposed to be played.'
"That's all I want. That's where I want to be at."
At this point, it's just about football for Berry.
It's not about his health, physical abilities or what he's had to overcome. Right now, Berry is only focused on helping the Chiefs win on Sunday.
"I have this little vision for myself on where I want to be and how I want to help the team," he said of Sunday's game being a potential milestone. "It's not necessarily a milestone; it's almost like a checkpoint.
"It's a big deal, but I can't make it a big deal. If I put too much excitement behind it, I'll be real jittery and won't react well."
Berry doesn't know how much time he'll see on the field on Sunday against the Texans.
During the preseason, he spent time as the third safety in some sub formations, but he's not concerned about anything other than making plays when his name is called.
"I'm just going to go out and ball," Berry said. "That's what I'm going to do. I'm prepared for whatever. My main focus is just going out there, balling and helping my teammates out and just flying around."
a few special moments in the career of Eric Berry.
Tennessee's Eric Berry (14) returns a fumble as he gets away from Georgia's Michael Moore (82) and Eric Elliot (30) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee's Eric Berry poses with his trophy after winning the Jim Thorpe Award for best defensive back at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards in Lake Buena Vista , Fla., Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Eric Berry is selected by the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, NY on Apr. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry (29) celebrates with cornerback Brandon Flowers, left, and linebacker Andy Studebaker, right, after intercepting a pass intended for Buffalo wide receiver Lee Evans (83) during the fourth quarter.
Eric Berry (29) retruns an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs host the the Baltimore Raves in a first round playoff game on Sunday.
Eric Berry Warming up for the game
Sept 16, 2012. Eric Berry rally's the team prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, NY
Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) celebrates after a missed Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal attempt during the first half of an NFL football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012
November 25, 2012. Eric Berry defendes a pass intended for Jacob Tamme (84) from Payton Manning
December 9, 2012. Eric Berry, Derrick Johnson, Terrance Copper, and Ryan Lilja coming out for the coin toss.
December 16, 2012. Eric Berry celebrates after making a hit on RB Marcel Reece of the Oakland Raiders.
Eric Berry Celebrates with Jairus Byrd in the first quarter of the 2012 Pro Bowl game. BerryLead the AFC with 7 tackles.
Dustin Colquitt, Tamba Hali Eric Berry and Jamall Charles pose for a photo after the Pro Bowl in Hawaii
Berry was asked if he was looking forward to waking up on Monday morning with the soreness that comes along with playing in a professional football game, and his answer gave a little insight into the man he's become through his journey.
"I'm looking forward to waking up period," Berry explained. "Football sore is way better than chemo sore. I mean, it's a blessing to even be able to be sore.
"I'm excited for whatever the game brings. I've experienced a lot on and off the field and I'm going to embrace all of it, so I'm looking forward to everything."
It's going to be a special moment when Berry takes the field against the Texans on Sunday, and however many times that happens, he's ready to do his part.
Even with the soreness that'll come the next day—something he'll probably enjoy a little more if it were after a victory.
