ICYMI in NFL: At site of cancer treatment, KC’s Berry excels

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws a pass as he is pressured by Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

As it is, this was going to be an emotional afternoon for Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry, who grew up in suburban Atlanta and was playing at the Falcons for the first time as a pro – and, more meaningfully, the first time since he was treated for cancer in the city.

”I shed a few tears before the game. I shed a few during the game. And I shed a few after,” Berry said. ”So I think I held it together pretty good.”

Did he ever.

Berry picked off a 2-point conversion throw and returned it 99 yards for the go-ahead score with 4 1/2 minutes left, after earlier going 37 yards with an interception for a TD, leading Kansas City to a 29-28 victory over Atlanta.

He accounted for eight points all by himself, more than the output of three entire teams Sunday (Carolina, Miami and San Francisco).

”The last time I came home during the season, it was to get chemotherapy,” said Berry, who had a mass found in his chest late in the 2014 season that turned out to be lymphoma. ”This time, it was actually to play the game, so I was just thankful for the opportunity.”

Berry earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors last season, when he helped Kansas City reach the playoffs. The Chiefs (9-3) are in line for a wild-card berth at the moment, and their Thursday night showdown against the Oakland Raiders (10-2)…