Chiefs safety Eric Berry believed to have lymphoma

The Kansas City Chiefs revealed some unfortunate news Monday regarding starting safety Eric Berry. An MRI revealed a mass in the All-Pro's chest that is believed to be lymphoma.

The team first became aware of the condition when Berry complained to the medical staff of chest pains during the team's 24-20 loss to the AFC West rival Oakland Raiders on Thursday. He underwent testing Friday, which is when the mass on the right side of his chest was first discovered. The Chiefs do not have a definitive diagnosis at this time, but the symptoms are consistent with lymphoma. The team is optimistic about Berry's condition as it is "early in the process." Head coach Andy Reid also spoke with the media, saying, "He's a beast. Right now, he needs to be a beast, and he'll attack this."

Effectively immediately, the team has placed Berry on the non-football injury list as first reported by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. The Chiefs and Berry released a joint statement regarding the diagnosis and their approach for dealing with the condition moving forward.

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's agent Chad Speck also released a statement and said Berry is "as courageous as anyone I know."

Praying for my friend and client Eric Berry. Here are my thoughts right now... pic.twitter.com/DdtF4Ap31t

— Chad Speck (@a3Chad) November 24, 2014