Chapter 947: Let’s talk business

Eric Berry, thirty-one years old, selected by the Kansas City Chiefs as the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2010 draft, gradually grew into the captain of the defensive group at Arrowhead Stadium.

However, after nearly two years of prolonged injury struggles, although Berry finally returned to the field this season, he could never regain his peak form.

In the AFC Championship overtime, Berry intercepted Brady, staging a triumphant comeback and laying the critical foundation for Kansas City Chiefs’ final counterattack–

This was his last moment of brilliance.

But unfortunately, this brief spark was not enough to light up his future.

Berry and the Kansas City Chiefs are still under contract. If by March 13, when the free agency market opens, the two sides continue to uphold their agreement, Berry’s salary for the 2019 and 2020 seasons will be fully guaranteed. To avoid this, the Kansas City Chiefs decided to release Berry.

In other words, terminate the agreement.

The verdict is brutally harsh and coldhearted. The Kansas City Chiefs no longer believe Berry can return to his peak, or even reach the league’s average standard. Over the past two seasons, the Chiefs have patiently waited and even offered Berry opportunities in this year’s playoffs, but it still wasn’t enough.

And so, Berry became unemployed.

The two captains of the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive group both departed the team during this offseason in such a disheartening manner, again revealing the cold and ruthless nature of professional leagues.

Viewed this way, Revis clearly understood the workings of the league, so he gracefully turned and left before being pushed out.

Mahomes’ mood was somewhat heavy, “So, what will happen to Eric next?”

Li Wei took a deep breath, “I don’t know.”

“Eric said he doesn’t plan to give up and won’t give up. He will still try to reach out to different teams and see if he can find job opportunities.”

“Meanwhile, he will continue training to maintain his physical fitness and competitive state. He believes he can still perform above the league average.”

The words faltered here, and Li Wei didn’t continue, but Mahomes could sense the turning point that followed–

However, the decision is no longer in Berry’s hands. He needs to convince other coaches or team managers that he can still shine on the field.

This is not easy.

Mahomes couldn’t help but sigh, “So, two years, a long two years, and this is Eric’s final treatment?”

“Sherlock…” Li Wei called softly.

Mahomes looked up.

Li Wei gently shook his head, “We shouldn’t think of it that way.”

Mahomes, “But…”

Li Wei, “I understand what you mean. We are all grieving for Eric. But you know, and I know, Eric himself knows full well that when he chose to keep fighting and striving, there were no guarantees.”

“We all know that he might never return to the field, or perhaps, after returning, he might quickly be discarded by the professional league again, like now.”

“Yet, he still chose persistence. Just like Annie Galas, facing a battle with a foregone conclusion. Everyone said they should give up, everyone pompously declared, ‘I can already see your outcome,’ yet they continued to fight until the very last moment, burning their lives in the process.”

“Their perseverance and spirit make those judgmental spectators look ridiculous.”

“I won’t forget Annie because of her ending. On the contrary, she made me realize that we don’t fight just for victory or championships.”

“Similarly, I won’t pity Eric because of his situation. In fact, Eric had his moments. He yearned to stand on the Super Bowl stage and fight alongside everyone. He longed to use his strength to be part of the team, then face the outcomes boldly, whether it was victory or defeat.”

“He achieved that.”

“So, no matter what happens next, he is the winner of his own life.”

Sighs of admiration, helplessness, bitterness, sadness.

Indeed, this is the truth. Not only in professional leagues, but reality is also much the same. However, life encompasses more than success and failure; there are many precious things too.

At least for Berry, this journey left him without regrets.

If back then, he had given up, missed two consecutive Super Bowls, and passed up the chance to intercept Brady in overtime of the AFC Championship, only to sit at home watching the games on TV and imagining all the possibilities–that would have been the real tragedy.

Mahomes pondered deeply before heavily nodding, “What he needs isn’t pity, but applause, right?”

Li Wei’s smile lifted again, “Who knows, maybe we’ll meet again. After all, Eric doesn’t plan to give up and leave, does he?”

Just like Coach Burns and Clark.

Back then, they thought Clark’s football career was over, that perhaps they would never cross paths again, or maybe it would be like a Hollywood movie where years later, they reunite and Clark has become a pot-bellied real estate agent showing Li Wei potential properties.

But unexpectedly, the reunion came so quickly, and it was still within the world of football, where they stood side by side and fought for their dreams.

Life is full of challenges, but also surprises.

One can choose to despair and blame fate, or believe in dreams and focus on themselves.

The reasoning isn’t difficult; the challenge lies in maintaining clarity amidst personal struggles.

Mahomes stretched and exhaled a long breath, “I thought after experiencing it once last year, this year would be easier.”

Li Wei responded with a smile, “Not becoming numb or taking things for granted–that’s a good sign. After all, we’re partners fighting side by side.”

“So, what’s the reason for your excitement when you rushed in earlier?”

Mahomes was startled, “Is it that obvious?”

Li Wei, “Didn’t you notice how quickly Justin and Eric left?”

Mahomes chuckled awkwardly, “Looks like I haven’t mastered the art yet.”

After speaking, his smile froze briefly, and Mahomes hesitated, “But now it seems inappropriate. Thankfully, I didn’t mention it earlier.”

Li Wei raised an eyebrow, “What’s wrong? The team approached you about a contract renewal?”

Mahomes’ eyes widened, “How did you know?”

The words slipped out before he realized he had completely spilled the secret. Realizing his mistake, he quickly covered his mouth, his eyes filled with a panicked “Oops.”

Li Wei burst into laughter.

“We’re discussing the departure of two team captains. Clearly, the team is reorganizing and planning, and then you come in looking guilty and uneasy, as if the team manager let them go because of you. Doesn’t the answer become obvious?”

Mahomes chuckled awkwardly and scratched his head. He was still young and couldn’t keep things to himself.

From another perspective, this was proof of his simplicity, his lack of guile, and his pure heart.

In the NFL, it’s rare for teams to discuss contract renewals for second- or third-year players, particularly in the case of long-term contracts.

The reason is simple–stretching the timeline increases unforeseeable factors such as injuries, form, and development curves, and teams don’t want to take risks.

However, exceptions occasionally occur.

After all, the league isn’t short of truly smart managers, like Veach.