Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Eric Berry has been placed on the club's non-football injury list, ruling him out for the season.
The 25-year-old was examined by doctors on Saturday and they discovered a mass on the right side of his chest, which is strongly believed to be lymphoma, although a final diagnosis has yet to be confirmed.
Berry said in a statement: "I am truly thankful for all of the support from family, friends, coaches, teammates and the entire Chiefs kingdom. At first I was in shock with the diagnosis on Saturday and did not even want to miss a game, but I understand that right now I have to concentrate on a new opponent.
"I have great confidence in the doctors and the plan they are going to put in place for me to win this fight. I believe that I am in God's hands and I have great peace in that.
"I know my coaches and teammates will hold things down here the rest of the season and until I am back running out of the tunnel at Arrowhead. I am so thankful and appreciative of being a part of this franchise and playing in front of the best fans in the NFL. I will be back!"
Berry had recorded 37 tackles for the Chiefs in six matches this season.
Simon Sinclair
