Atlanta will honor Eric Berry as an SEC legend. A Vols Icon Gets Well-Deserved Recognition!
Eric Berry Honored as 2024 SEC Football Legend During Championship Weekend
ATLANTA – Tennessee Volunteers legend Eric Berry will soon receive one of the most prestigious recognitions in college football as he is celebrated as a member of the 2024 SEC Football Legends class. This honor, which highlights the careers of 16 outstanding football icons who have left an indelible mark on their schools and the Southeastern Conference (SEC), will take place during the SEC Championship weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.
Berry’s accolades and impact on both collegiate and professional football make him a fitting recipient of this recognition. He will be celebrated during the SEC Legends Celebration, presented by T-Mobile, on Friday night at the College Football Hall of Fame. The festivities don’t end there, as he will also be honored on the field before the SEC Championship Game, which kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday and will be broadcast nationally on ABC.
A Storied Career at Tennessee
Eric Berry’s collegiate career is nothing short of legendary. A two-time unanimous first-team All-American, Berry made waves at Tennessee, solidifying his status as one of the greatest defensive players in college football history. His list of accolades is extensive and includes winning the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award in 2009, which is given annually to the nation’s top defensive back. Berry holds the distinction of being the first player in Tennessee football history to receive this honor, a testament to his exceptional talent and work ethic.
In 2008, Berry was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, an award that underscored his dominance on the field. Additionally, he is a two-time recipient of the Jack Tatum Award, further cementing his reputation as one of the finest defensive backs the game has ever seen. Berry’s knack for making game-changing plays is exemplified by the records he holds at Tennessee. He still ranks as the all-time leader in career interception return yards with 494 and single-season return yards with 265, a record he set during the 2008 season. These achievements highlight not only his ball-hawking skills but also his ability to turn defense into offense.
Throughout his college career, Berry amassed an impressive 245 tackles, 14 interceptions, and 31 passes defended. His 14 interceptions are among the best in Tennessee history, further demonstrating his skill and instinct as a defensive back. Beyond the numbers, Berry’s leadership and ability to inspire his teammates made him a cornerstone of the Volunteers’ defense during his tenure.
A Stellar NFL Career and an Inspiring Comeback
After his outstanding college career, Berry entered the NFL as the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, selected by the Kansas City Chiefs. He wasted no time making an impact at the professional level. Over the course of his career, Berry earned five Pro Bowl selections and was named a first-team All-Pro three times, solidifying his place among the NFL’s elite.
One of the most remarkable chapters of Berry’s career is his inspiring comeback story. In 2014, Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a diagnosis that sent shockwaves through the football world. Despite the challenges of battling cancer, Berry’s resilience and determination never wavered. He not only beat the disease but returned to the NFL in 2015, delivering one of the best seasons of his career. His extraordinary perseverance earned him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award that same year, an honor that highlighted his courage and unwavering spirit.
Berry’s professional career came to a close with an enduring legacy, both as a dominant player and as a symbol of resilience. His journey has served as an inspiration to countless fans and athletes around the world.
Hall of Fame Recognition
Eric Berry’s remarkable career was further validated in December 2023, when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. This honor is a reflection of his incredible contributions to the game, both on and off the field. It serves as a capstone to a career that has left an indelible mark on the sport.
The 2024 SEC Football Legends Class
Berry’s inclusion in the 2024 SEC Football Legends class places him among a distinguished group of athletes and coaches who have made significant contributions to their respective programs and the conference. The full class includes:
- Alabama: Barrett Jones, OL
- Arkansas: Ken Hamlin, FS
- Auburn: Marcus McNeill, OT
- Florida: Rex Grossman, QB
- Georgia: Terrence Edwards, WR
- Kentucky: Dicky Lyons Sr., RB/WR
- LSU: Andrew Whitworth, OT
- Ole Miss: Dexter McCluster, RB
- Mississippi State: Fletcher Cox, DL
- Missouri: Chase Daniel, QB
- Oklahoma: Barry Switzer, HC
- South Carolina: Corey Miller, DE
- Tennessee: Eric Berry, DB
- Texas: Vince Young, QB
- Texas A&M: Luke Joeckel, OT
- Vanderbilt: Ricky Anderson, P/K
This class represents not only athletic excellence but also stories of perseverance, leadership, and character that transcend the game itself.
Celebrating Eric Berry’s Legacy
Eric Berry’s inclusion in this esteemed group is a fitting recognition of his storied career and his contributions to the sport. From his record-breaking days at Tennessee to his inspiring battle against adversity in the NFL, Berry has exemplified greatness at every turn. His achievements serve as a reminder of the power of determination, talent, and heart.
As fans gather in Atlanta to celebrate the SEC Championship, they will also celebrate the incredible legacies of athletes like Eric Berry. His story is a beacon of inspiration, and his place in the 2024 SEC Football Legends class is a testament to the lasting impact he has made on the game of football.
